Answering the Most Common Social Security Questions

From widow’s benefits to returning checks.
Answering the Most Common Social Security Questions
The Social Security benefits that you receive depend on a number of factors. zimmytws/Shutterstock
Tom Margenau
Updated:
0:00

I recently did a radio show, and the host asked me what the most common questions I get are. I told her that they can be divided into two broad categories: politically oriented questions (usually about the financing of Social Security) and program-related questions (mostly about Social Security benefits). She told me to stick to the latter. I thought I'd share with you what I discussed on this radio program. Here are some of the more common questions I get about Social Security benefits.

Q: How will my retirement benefit be figured?
Tom Margenau
Tom Margenau
Author
Tom Margenau worked for 32 years in a variety of positions for the Social Security Administration before retiring in 2005. He has served as the director of SSA’s public information office, the chief editor of more than 100 SSA publications, a deputy press officer and spokesman, and a speechwriter for the commissioner of Social Security. For 12 years, he also wrote Social Security columns for local newspapers, and recently published the book “Social Security: Simple and Smart.” If you have a Social Security question, contact him at [email protected]
Related Topics