Nearly Half of Americans Failed This Social Security Quiz About Retirement
How many of these questions on retirement benefits do you know?


Nearly 80% of people nearing retirement don't have a basic knowledge of Social security retirement benefits, according to a recent report by MassMutual.
In its annual Social Security retirement benefits quiz, the life insurance company found that, while that is an improvement from years past, the results are still less than stellar.
For the report, Mass Mutual polled 1,500 Americans nearing retirement (age 55-65) who have not filed for Social Security retirement benefits. The company asked a number of questions and posed 13 true/false statements including some about spousal benefits, retirement age and taxes.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Here's how respondents scored:
- F — 41%
- D — 37%
- C — 13%
- B — 7%
- A+ — Less than 1%
On the positive side, most people (92%) answered correctly (true) to the statement: In most cases, if I take benefits before my full retirement age, they will be reduced for early filing. Some 84% responded correctly (true) to: If I am receiving benefits before my full retirement age and continue to work, my benefits might be reduced based on how much I make.
But at the other end of the spectrum, just 23% of respondents knew this statement to be false: I must be a U.S. citizen to collect Social Security retirement benefits. And only 38% knew that Social Security retirement benefits are subject to income tax just like withdrawals from a traditional IRA account.
As far as retirement paperwork is concerned, the numbers remain pretty low there as well. Just 35% of people said they have a will in place, while 25% said they have a financial durable power of attorney.
Paul LaPiana, CFP, head of brand, product and affiliated distribution with MassMutual, said that while the results are grim, spreading awareness about these topics can help better prepare those nearing retirement for the future.
“The good news is that these individuals have not yet filed for Social Security benefits so they have time to understand the basic facts that can either help or hurt their financial situations in retirement,” he said. “And for those nearing retirement that have not gotten their estate planning documents in place yet, I urge them to make this a priority.”
Social security fundamentals
If you're not sure on the answers to some of these retirement questions, clearly you're not alone. But, as Kiplinger previously reported, there are some Social Security basics — 12 essential details you must know about claiming your benefits as you approach retirement age.
The first is finding out your full social security age, or the age that you're entitled to 100% of your benefits. You also should be aware of the number of credits you need to accrue throughout your career to be eligible for social security.
Securing your social security
There are many questions as of late as to the solvency of social security. Recently confirmed Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Martin O'Malley has committed to overhauling the agency, promising shorter wait times and easier-to-use systems.
Last November, SSA chief actuary Steve Goss also aimed to assure the American public that their social security benefits will in fact be available to them when they are ready to use them.
“People should not worry about the trust fund running out of money, as is sometimes said, and (SSA) having an inability to pay any benefits,” Gross said. The likely "worst-case scenario," he said, is that the trust fund will be able to pay only about 80 percent of a beneficiary's benefit by 2034, he said.
That is providing that Congress does not act before then to deal with the issue.
To learn more about Social Security and how it works, you can visit the government's website USA.gov.
RELATED CONTENT
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Jamie Feldman is a journalist, essayist and content creator. After building a byline as a lifestyle editor for HuffPost, her articles and editorials have since appeared in Cosmopolitan, Betches, Nylon, Bustle, Parade, and Well+Good. Her journey out of credit card debt, which she chronicles on TikTok, has amassed a loyal social media following. Her story has been featured in Fortune, Business Insider and on The Today Show, NBC Nightly News, CBS News, and NPR. She is currently producing a podcast on the same topic and living in Brooklyn, New York.
-
Cord Cutting Could Help You Save Over $10,000 in 10 Years
How cutting the cord can save you money and how those savings can grow over time.
-
The '8-Year Rule of Social Security' — A Retirement Rule
The '8-Year Rule of Social Security' holds that it's best to be like Ike — Eisenhower, that is. The five-star General knew a thing or two about good timing.
-
The '8-Year Rule of Social Security' — A Retirement Rule
The '8-Year Rule of Social Security' holds that it's best to be like Ike — Eisenhower, that is. The five-star General knew a thing or two about good timing.
-
Tips for Expat Retirees, From Expat Retirees
You may enjoy a lower cost of living by moving abroad, but it requires careful planning.
-
You Were Planning to Retire This Year: Should You Go Ahead?
If the economic climate is making you doubt whether you should retire this year, these three questions will help you make up your mind.
-
Are You Owed Money Thanks to the SSFA? You Might Need to Do Something to Get It
The Social Security Fairness Act removed restrictions on benefits for people with government pensions. If you're one of them, don't leave money on the table. Here's how you can be proactive in claiming what you're due.
-
From Wills to Wishes: An Expert Guide to Your Estate Planning Playbook
Consider supplementing your traditional legal documents with this essential road map to guide your loved ones through the emotional and logistical details that will follow your loss.
-
Why Retirees Need a Budget, According to a New Retiree
A new retiree explains why retirees need a budget.
-
Hiring a Financial Adviser: 10 Questions to Ask
When hiring a financial adviser, ask these 10 questions to weed out the duds and find the right person to manage your nest egg. After all, you're the boss.
-
Your Home + Your IRA = Your Long-Term Care Solution
If you're worried that long-term care costs will drain your retirement savings, consider a personalized retirement plan that could solve your problem.