Social Security payments are primarily distributed according to beneficiaries' birth dates. Photo by Zhang Fengguo / Xinhua via Getty Images Close KEY TAKEAWAYS The Social Security Administration distributes benefits to almost 74 million people each month. Here is when to expect yours in December. Payments are primarily distributed according to beneficiaries' birth dates. However, for those who began receiving retirement, spousal, or survivor benefits before May 1997, they typically receive their payments o ...

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Key Points Working while collecting Social Security can affect your benefits if you aren't yet at full retirement age. The rules about this are changing in 2026. You can work more next year while still getting your Social Security benefits, although you still need to know the limits. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › When you think of retiring, you probably imagine sailing off into the sunset, relaxing on the golf course or the beach, or puttering around your h ...

Core Insights - Social Security is a highly sensitive topic in American politics, with significant public opposition to changes in retirement age [1] - A recent Quinnipiac University poll indicates that 78% of adults oppose raising the full retirement age for Social Security benefits from 67 to 70, even if it means benefits would last longer [2][5] - The financial health of Social Security is a concern, with the trust fund surplus expected to deplete by 2034, leading to a potential 20% shortfall in revenue from payroll taxes [5] Public Sentiment - The Quinnipiac poll reveals deep anxiety regarding financial security in retirement, with 25% of respondents aged 50 to 64 and 26% of those 65 and older citing saving for retirement as their top concern [7][8] - A significant portion of respondents (22%) have reconsidered their retirement plans due to economic factors such as inflation and higher interest rates, with 32% of those aged 50 to 64 already delaying their retirement [9] Demographics of Respondents - The poll surveyed nearly 1,800 adults, with a balanced representation across political affiliations: 29% Democrats, 27% Republicans, and 29% independents [8]

Core Insights - Social Security spousal benefits can significantly enhance household finances during retirement, with an average monthly benefit of approximately $955 as of August 2025, which, while not sufficient alone, can substantially contribute when combined with a partner's retirement benefits [1]. Misconceptions and Eligibility - Misconception 1: Spousal benefits are available even if one has never worked, provided certain conditions are met, such as being married for at least one year or having a child with the spouse [4]. - Individuals can qualify for both retirement and spousal benefits, but the Social Security Administration pays the higher of the two benefits [5]. - The age at which one claims benefits is crucial, as full retirement age (FRA) is 67 for most workers, and claiming early can lead to significant reductions in benefits [7]. Claiming Benefits - To receive the full retirement or spousal benefit, one must wait until reaching FRA, with penalties for early claiming that can reduce benefits by up to 30% for retirement and up to 35% for spousal benefits if claimed at age 62 [7]. - Spousal benefits are available if the spousal benefit amount exceeds the retirement benefit one qualifies for, and ex-spouses may also qualify if the marriage lasted 10 years or more [8].

Sharon, just give us context here for a minute. Where does the Social Security program stand today in 2025, 90 years after it was started. Well, it's changing quite a bit.And what the Social Security Administration wants to do is make it more digital friendly. They're really trying to get more people, encourage more people not just to talk about Social Security, but to go on the website and check out what their earnings are, make sure that information is accurate, and have about 200 million people be digita ...