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True-or-False Quiz: How Well Do You Know Social Security?

Test your knowledge of the retirement age, work rules, family benefits and more

Andy Markowitz,

Updated February 29, 2024

AARP

En español

Published February 14, 2022

/ Updated February 29, 2024

12 Questions

0a52705d-5deb-4a22-b787-a51c9db9a675

True-or-False Quiz: How Well Do You Know Social Security?

[ {
 "question" : "Social Security’s full retirement age is going up.\n",
 "answers" : [ {
 "answer" : "True",
 "correctAnswer" : true
 }, {
 "answer" : "False",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 } ],
 "multiSelect" : false,
 "explanation" : "Since 2003, full retirement age (FRA) — the age at which you qualify for 100 percent of the monthly retirement benefit calculated from your lifetime earnings history — has been rising in steps from 65 to 67, based on year of birth.&nbsp; FRA is 66 and 6 months for people born in 1957, 66 and 8 months for people born in 1958, and will settle at 67 for people born in 1960 and thereafter.\n<a href=\"/content/aarpe/en/home/social-security/faq/full-retirement-age.html\" data-overlay-msg=\"AARP.Everywhere.LeavingModal.drawOverlay(this,'',/content/dam/content-fragments/aarp-org/en/quiz/retirement/social-security/true-or-false-quiz.html,'','You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.');return false;\" title=\"social security full retirement age\">More on Social Security’s full retirement age</a>",
 "hint" : "",
 "hintLink" : "",
 "questionImgCaption" : "",
 "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
 "question" : "If you ever paid Social Security taxes, you will get retirement benefits.\n",
 "answers" : [ {
 "answer" : "True",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "False",
 "correctAnswer" : true
 } ],
 "multiSelect" : false,
 "explanation" : "You must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least 10 years to qualify for retirement benefits. That’s how long it takes to compile the required 40 Social Security credits. You can earn up to four credits per calendar year, based on your Social Security–taxed earnings. (In 2024, you get one credit for each $1,730 in earnings and the maximum of four if you make at least $6,920.)&nbsp; The 10 years need not be consecutive.\n<a href=\"/content/aarpe/en/home/social-security/faq/when-do-you-qualify.html\" data-overlay-msg=\"AARP.Everywhere.LeavingModal.drawOverlay(this,'',/content/dam/content-fragments/aarp-org/en/quiz/retirement/social-security/true-or-false-quiz.html,'','You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.');return false;\" title=\"how to qualify for social security\">More on qualifying for Social Security</a>",
 "hint" : "",
 "hintLink" : "",
 "questionImgCaption" : "",
 "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
 "question" : "You must be a U.S. citizen to collect Social Security.\n",
 "answers" : [ {
 "answer" : "True",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "False",
 "correctAnswer" : true
 } ],
 "multiSelect" : false,
 "explanation" : "As long as you were living and working in the U.S. legally&nbsp; and have earned the requisite 40 Social Security credits, you will be eligible for retirement benefits. Noncitizens can also qualify for spousal or survivor benefits under certain circumstances.\n<a href=\"/content/aarpe/en/home/social-security/faq/can-non-citizens-receive-benefits.html\" data-overlay-msg=\"AARP.Everywhere.LeavingModal.drawOverlay(this,'',/content/dam/content-fragments/aarp-org/en/quiz/retirement/social-security/true-or-false-quiz.html,'','You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.');return false;\" title=\"social security for noncitizens\">More on noncitizens and Social Security</a>",
 "hint" : "",
 "hintLink" : "",
 "questionImgCaption" : "",
 "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
 "question" : "You can collect more than your full retirement benefit if you delay claiming Social Security past full retirement age.\n",
 "answers" : [ {
 "answer" : "True",
 "correctAnswer" : true
 }, {
 "answer" : "False",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 } ],
 "multiSelect" : false,
 "explanation" : "You become eligible to collect 100 percent of the benefit calculated from your earnings history at full retirement age. But if you wait longer, Social Security rewards you by increasing your benefit amount — you receive an extra 8 percent for each full year you delay, up to age 70.\n<a href=\"/content/aarpe/en/home/social-security/faq/maximum-benefit-age.html\" data-overlay-msg=\"AARP.Everywhere.LeavingModal.drawOverlay(this,'',/content/dam/content-fragments/aarp-org/en/quiz/retirement/social-security/true-or-false-quiz.html,'','You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.');return false;\" title=\"maximize retirement benefits\">More on getting your maximum retirement benefit</a>",
 "hint" : "",
 "hintLink" : "",
 "questionImgCaption" : "",
 "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
 "question" : "Social Security recipients are guaranteed an annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).\n",
 "answers" : [ {
 "answer" : "True",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "False",
 "correctAnswer" : true
 } ],
 "multiSelect" : false,
 "explanation" : "COLAs are based on inflation. If there is no inflation in a given year, there will be no cost-of-living increase and benefits will be the same as in the previous year. This is rare, but it has happened a handful of times since the COLA was introduced in 1975.\n<a href=\"/content/aarpe/en/home/social-security/cola-history.html\" data-overlay-msg=\"AARP.Everywhere.LeavingModal.drawOverlay(this,'',/content/dam/content-fragments/aarp-org/en/quiz/retirement/social-security/true-or-false-quiz.html,'','You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.');return false;\" title=\"history of social security cost of living adjustments\">More on the history of the Social Security COLA</a>",
 "hint" : "",
 "hintLink" : "",
 "questionImgCaption" : "",
 "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
 "question" : "If you’re getting Social Security when you turn 65, you’re automatically enrolled in Medicare.\n",
 "answers" : [ {
 "answer" : "True",
 "correctAnswer" : true
 }, {
 "answer" : "False",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 } ],
 "multiSelect" : false,
 "explanation" : "Medicare enrollment is handled by the Social Security Administration (SSA), which will sign you up for Medicare Parts A and B at 65, the eligibility age, if you are already receiving your Social Security benefits. (You can opt out of Part B if, say, you are still working and getting health insurance through your employer, but you’ll need to notify the SSA.) If you have not yet claimed your benefits, you’ll need to enroll in Medicare; you can do so at <a data-overlay-msg=\"AARP.Everywhere.LeavingModal.drawOverlay(this,'',/content/dam/content-fragments/aarp-org/en/quiz/retirement/social-security/true-or-false-quiz.html,'','You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.');return false;\" title=\"social security administration\" href=\"https://www.ssa.gov/\">SSA.gov</a>.\n<a href=\"/content/aarpe/en/home/social-security/faq/how-do-social-security-medicare-work-together.html\" data-overlay-msg=\"AARP.Everywhere.LeavingModal.drawOverlay(this,'',/content/dam/content-fragments/aarp-org/en/quiz/retirement/social-security/true-or-false-quiz.html,'','You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.');return false;\" title=\"social security and medicare\">More on how Social Security and Medicare work together</a>&nbsp;",
 "hint" : "",
 "hintLink" : "",
 "questionImgCaption" : "",
 "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
 "question" : "Divorced people can collect benefits on the earnings record of a former spouse.\n",
 "answers" : [ {
 "answer" : "True",
 "correctAnswer" : true
 }, {
 "answer" : "False",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 } ],
 "multiSelect" : false,
 "explanation" : "If you were married for at least 10 years, have not remarried and are 62 or older, you may be eligible for divorced-spouse benefits. These can be up to 50 percent of your ex’s Social Security benefits, depending on your age when you claim them.\n<a href=\"/content/aarpe/en/home/social-security/divorced-spouse-benefits.html\" data-overlay-msg=\"AARP.Everywhere.LeavingModal.drawOverlay(this,'',/content/dam/content-fragments/aarp-org/en/quiz/retirement/social-security/true-or-false-quiz.html,'','You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.');return false;\" title=\"social security and divorce\">More on Social Security benefits for divorced spouses</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;",
 "hint" : "",
 "hintLink" : "",
 "questionImgCaption" : "",
 "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
 "question" : "Children can collect Social Security benefits.\n",
 "answers" : [ {
 "answer" : "True",
 "correctAnswer" : true
 }, {
 "answer" : "False",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 } ],
 "multiSelect" : false,
 "explanation" : "Minors and, in some cases, adult children with disabilities can receive benefits on the earnings record of a parent who is retired, deceased or has a disability. Nearly 3.8 million children were getting Social Security benefits as of January 2024.\n<a href=\"/content/aarpe/en/home/social-security/faq/benefits-for-children.html\" data-overlay-msg=\"AARP.Everywhere.LeavingModal.drawOverlay(this,'',/content/dam/content-fragments/aarp-org/en/quiz/retirement/social-security/true-or-false-quiz.html,'','You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.');return false;\" title=\"social security for children\">More on Social Security benefits for children</a>",
 "hint" : "",
 "hintLink" : "",
 "questionImgCaption" : "",
 "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
 "question" : "You get less from Social Security if your spouse or children are also collecting benefits on your record.\n",
 "answers" : [ {
 "answer" : "True",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "False",
 "correctAnswer" : true
 } ],
 "multiSelect" : false,
 "explanation" : "You get the benefit Social Security calculates from your lifetime earnings, regardless of whether family members are also collecting benefits on your record. Ditto for divorced spouses: An ex-spouse (or ex-spouses) collecting benefits on your record does not change your payment.\n<a href=\"/content/aarpe/en/home/social-security/faq/family.html\" data-overlay-msg=\"AARP.Everywhere.LeavingModal.drawOverlay(this,'',/content/dam/content-fragments/aarp-org/en/quiz/retirement/social-security/true-or-false-quiz.html,'','You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.');return false;\" title=\"social security spousal benefits\">More on Social Security benefits for family members</a>",
 "hint" : "",
 "hintLink" : "",
 "questionImgCaption" : "",
 "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
 "question" : "If you qualify for a retirement benefit and a survivor benefit, you will receive both.\n",
 "answers" : [ {
 "answer" : "True",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "False",
 "correctAnswer" : true
 } ],
 "multiSelect" : false,
 "explanation" : "Social Security will not pay you the sum of multiple benefits. If you are entitled to two types of benefit, you will receive the larger of the two amounts.\n<a href=\"/content/aarpe/en/home/social-security/faq/eligible-for-both-retirement-and-survivor-benefits.html\" data-overlay-msg=\"AARP.Everywhere.LeavingModal.drawOverlay(this,'',/content/dam/content-fragments/aarp-org/en/quiz/retirement/social-security/true-or-false-quiz.html,'','You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.');return false;\" title=\"social security only pays one benefit\">More on Social Security dual entitlement</a>",
 "hint" : "",
 "hintLink" : "",
 "questionImgCaption" : "",
 "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
 "question" : "Your retirement benefit can be reduced if you’re still working.\n",
 "answers" : [ {
 "answer" : "True",
 "correctAnswer" : true
 }, {
 "answer" : "False",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 } ],
 "multiSelect" : false,
 "explanation" : "If you claim benefits before full retirement age, you could be subject to Social Security’s earnings test. In 2024, most people subject to the test lose $1 in benefits for every $2 they earn above $22,320.&nbsp; The formula changes in the year in which you reach full retirement age, and the test disappears when you hit the milestone&nbsp; — income no longer affects your payment, and the SSA adjusts your monthly benefit so that over time you recoup the money the agency withheld before.\n<a href=\"/content/aarpe/en/home/social-security/working-and-your-monthly-benefit.html\" data-overlay-msg=\"AARP.Everywhere.LeavingModal.drawOverlay(this,'',/content/dam/content-fragments/aarp-org/en/quiz/retirement/social-security/true-or-false-quiz.html,'','You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.');return false;\" title=\"working and retirement benefits\">More on getting Social Security while working</a>",
 "hint" : "",
 "hintLink" : "",
 "questionImgCaption" : "",
 "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
 "question" : "Once you’re getting Social Security, you don’t have FICA taxes withheld from your paycheck.\n",
 "answers" : [ {
 "answer" : "True",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "False",
 "correctAnswer" : true
 } ],
 "multiSelect" : false,
 "explanation" : "The payroll taxes that largely fund Social Security are deducted from almost all workers’ paychecks, regardless of their age or benefit status. The same holds if you are self-employed; you will still pay Social Security and Medicare taxes on your net income.\n<a href=\"/content/aarpe/en/home/social-security/faq/how-is-it-funded.html\" data-overlay-msg=\"AARP.Everywhere.LeavingModal.drawOverlay(this,'',/content/dam/content-fragments/aarp-org/en/quiz/retirement/social-security/true-or-false-quiz.html,'','You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.');return false;\" title=\"social security funding\">More on how Social Security is funded</a>",
 "hint" : "",
 "hintLink" : "",
 "questionImgCaption" : "",
 "questionImgCredit" : ""
} ]

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True-or-False Quiz: How Well Do You Know Social Security?

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Andy Markowitz is an AARP senior writer and editor covering Social Security and retirement. He is a former editor of the Prague Post and Baltimore City Paper.