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.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free 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
-
Nasdaq Adds 211 Points as Greenland Tensions Ease: Stock Market TodayWall Street continues to cheer easing geopolitical tensions and President Trump's assurances that there will be no new tariffs on Europe.
-
What to Check on Your Car Before a Winter StormWinter storms are expected soon. Get your vehicle ready now to avoid breakdowns, costly repairs and dangerous roadside surprises.
-
Do You Pay Property Taxes in Tennessee? What You Need to Know in 2026Property Taxes State lawmakers are moving to ban state property taxes, but can they stop the local rate spike? Here's how 2026 could lower your Tennessee property tax bill.
-
Estate Planning When You Have a Skeleton in the ClosetWe asked estate planning experts how to keep transgressions secret, even after death.
-
Are You and Your Financial Adviser in Sync on Social Security?Deciding when to claim Social Security is tricky if you and your adviser haven't thoroughly covered the topic. Here's how to ensure you're on the right track.
-
How to Find the Best International Moving Company for Your Big Move Abroad (and Avoid Costly Mistakes)It's best to use an international moving company to protect your belongings and budget when relocating to another country. Here's how to find a reputable firm.
-
I'm Retiring at 67 With $2.6 Million, Most of Which Is in a Traditional IRA. I'm Worried About RMDs and Taxes. What Should I Do?We asked professional wealth planners for advice.
-
For High-Net-Worth Retirees, Tax Planning and Estate Planning Are the Main EventsTax and estate planning can have far-reaching results for wealthy retirees and are just as important as investment management. This financial adviser explains.
-
What Will Happen to Your Business When You Retire? How to Exit Successfully and Thrive in RetirementStepping away from work is extra challenging when you're a business owner, and a successful retirement requires planning that looks beyond the financials.
-
Roth IRA Conversion Quiz: Would You Benefit from the Switch?Quiz Discover if a Roth conversion is the right move for you by taking our quick quiz.
-
Are You the Doer or the Visionary of Your Advisory Practice? Here's How You Can Make the Leap to Chief Vision OfficerThe key is to transition from a tactical "doer" to a strategic "chief vision officer" by building the teams, processes and brand so your practice can grow.
