Annual Statistical Supplement, 2006

History of OASDI Provisions

Benefit Types and Levels

Table 2.A20 Monthly benefits for retired and disabled workers
Year enacted Age Percentage
of PIA		 Condition or qualification
Retired worker
1935 65 or older 100 Fully insured. Amount based on cumulative wages.
1939 . . . . . . Amount based on PIA.
1956 Women: 62–64 . . . Reduced 5/9 of 1% for each month under age 65.
1961 Men: 62–64 . . . Reduced 5/9 of 1% for each month under age 65.
1972 . . . . . . Increased 1/12 of 1% for each month between ages 65 and 72 for which no benefits received after 1970 (PIA based on AMW only). Applicable only to worker whose benefit has not been actuarially reduced.
1977 . . . . . . Increased 1/4 of 1% for each month after 1981 and between ages 65 and 72 in which no benefits received. Requirement for nonreceipt of actuarially reduced benefit removed.
1983 65 and 2 months–67 . . . Beginning in year 2000, the age at which 100% of PIA is payable will be gradually increased, as follows:
Applicable PIA payable at age— Applicable to workers who attain age 62 in—
65 and 2 months 2000
65 and 4 months 2001
65 and 6 months 2002
65 and 8 months 2003
65 and 10 months 2004
66 2005–2016
66 and 2 months 2017
66 and 4 months 2018
66 and 6 months 2019
66 and 8 months 2020
66 and 10 months 2021
67 2022 and later
 
62–66 . . . Reduced 5/9 of 1% for each of the first 36 months of receipt of benefits immediately preceding the age at which 100% of PIA is payable, plus 5/12 of 1% for each of up to 24 earlier months of benefit receipt.
. . . . . . Increased by the following percentage for each month between the age at which 100% of PIA is payable and age 70 in which no benefits are received:
Age 62 in years— Rate of increase Annual rate (percent)
1987–1988 7/24 of 1% 3.5
1989–1990 8/24 of 1% 4
1991–1992 9/24 of 1% 4.5
1993–1994 10/24 of 1% 5
1995–1996 11/24 of 1% 5.5
1997–1998 12/24 of 1% 6
1999–2000 13/24 of 1% 6.5
2001–2002 14/24 of 1% 7
2003–2004 15/24 of 1% 7.5
2005 and later 16/24 of 1% 8
 
. . . . . . No further increases for months of nonreceipt of benefits after age 70, effective 1984.
. . . . . . Partial offset for receipt of pension based on noncovered employment, phased in over a 5-year period beginning in 1986 for individuals first eligible for Social Security and noncovered pension after 1985 (see Table 2.A11).
Disabled worker
1956 50–64 . . . Disability insured. Waiting period of 6 calendar months. Reduced by amount of workers' compensation.
1958 . . . . . . Reduction for workers' compensation eliminated.
1960 Under 50 . . . . . .
1965 . . . . . . Reduced if benefits plus workers' compensation exceed 80% of the higher of AMW or high-5 year average taxable earnings in covered employment. Adjusted periodically for rises in wage levels.
1967 . . . . . . Reduced if benefits plus workers' compensation exceed 80% of the higher of AMW or high 5-year average earnings in covered employment, regardless of taxable limit.
1972 . . . . . . Reduced if benefits plus workers' compensation exceed 80% of the highest of (a) AMW, (b) high 5-year average earnings or (c) highest annual earnings in the period consisting of year of disability onset and 5 preceding years in covered employment.
. . . . . . Waiting period reduced to 5 full calendar months.
1983 . . . . . . Partial offset for receipt of pension based on noncovered employment phased in over a 5-year period beginning in 1986 for individuals first eligible for Social Security and noncovered pension after 1985.
SOURCES: Social Security Act of 1935 (the Act), as amended through December 31, 2005; regulations issued under the Act; and precedential case decisions (rulings). Specific laws, regulations, rulings, legislation, and a link to the Federal Register can be found at the Social Security Program Rules page.
NOTE: PIA = primary insurance amount; AMW = average monthly wage; . . . = not applicable.
CONTACT: Alberta Presberry (410) 966-8473.
Table 2.A21 Monthly benefits for spouses and children of retired and disabled workers
Year enacted Age Percentage
of PIA		 Condition or qualification
Wife
1939 65 or older 50 Fully insured.
1956 62–64 . . . Reduced 25/36 of 1% for each month under age 65.
1967 . . . . . . Maximum $105.
1969 . . . . . . Maximum eliminated.
1977 . . . . . . Reduced by full amount of pension payable based on own earnings in noncovered governmental employment (noncovered pension offset). Reduction does not apply if eligible for such pension before December 1982.
1983 . . . . . . Noncovered pension offset not applicable if first eligible for such pension before July 1983 and dependent. Reduced by only two-thirds of such pension if first eligible for it after June 1983.
65 and 2 months–67 . . . Beginning in year 2000, the age at which 50% of PIA is payable will be gradually increased (see Table 2.A20).
62–66 . . . Reduced 25/36 of 1% for each of the first 36 months under the age at which 50% of PIA is payable, plus 5/12 of 1% for each of up to 24 earlier months of benefit receipt.
1984 . . . . . . Noncovered pension offset limited to two-thirds of such pension.
Divorced wife
1965 65 or older . . . Fully insured. Dependent. Married 20 years. Not counted toward family maximum.
62–64 . . . Reduced 25/36 of 1% for each month under age 65.
1967 . . . . . . Maximum $105.
1969 . . . . . . Maximum eliminated.
1972 . . . . . . Dependency requirement eliminated.
1977 . . . . . . Married 10 years.
. . . . . . Reduced by full amount of pension payable based on own earnings in noncovered governmental employment (noncovered pension offset). Reduction does not apply if eligible for such pension before December 1982 and married 20 years.
1983 . . . . . . Noncovered pension offset not applicable if first eligible for such pension before July 1983 and dependent. Reduced by only two-thirds of such pension if first eligible for it after June 1983.
. . . . . . Can be independently entitled to benefits if divorced for 2 years or more (after marriage of 10 or more years) and worker could be entitled to benefits if he applied. Effective with benefits for months after December 1984.
65 and 2 months–67 . . . Beginning in year 2000, the age at which 50% of PIA is payable will be gradually increased (see Table 2.A20).
62–66 . . . Reduced 25/36 of 1% for each of the first 36 months under the age at which 50% of PIA is payable, plus 5/12 of 1% for each of up to 24 earlier months of benefit receipt.
1984 . . . . . . Noncovered pension offset limited to two-thirds of such pension.
Wife (mother)
1950 Under 65 . . . Fully insured. Caring for eligible child.
1965 . . . . . . Eligible child excludes student aged 18–21.
1967 . . . . . . Maximum $105.
1969 . . . . . . Maximum eliminated.
1977 . . . . . . Reduced by full amount of pension payable based on own earnings in noncovered governmental employment (noncovered pension offset). Reduction does not apply if eligible for such pension before December 1982.
1981 . . . . . . Eligible child excludes nondisabled child aged 16–17.
1983 . . . . . . Noncovered pension offset not applicable if first eligible for such pension before July 1983 and dependent. Reduced by only two-thirds of such pension if first eligible for it after June 1983.
1984 . . . . . . Noncovered pension offset limited to two-thirds of such pension.
Child
1939 Under 18 . . . Fully insured.a
1965 18–21 . . . Full-time student.
1972 . . . . . . Benefits extended to end of quarter or semester in which 22nd birthday occurs while undergraduate student.
. . . . . . Includes grandchild under certain circumstances.
1981 18–22 . . . Student benefits eliminated (to be phased out gradually for those entitled before May 1982), except for elementary or secondary school students under age 19.
1996 . . . . . . Stepchildren must be dependent on worker.
Disabled child
1956 18 or older . . . Fully insured.a Disabled before age 18.
1972 . . . . . . Disabled before age 22.
. . . . . . Includes grandchild under certain circumstances.
Husband
1950 65 or older 50 Fully and currently insured. Dependent.
1961 62–64 . . . Reduced 25/36 of 1% for each month under age 65.
1967 . . . . . . Currently insured requirement eliminated. Maximum $105.
1969 . . . . . . Maximum eliminated.
1977 . . . . . . Dependency requirement eliminated.
  . . . . . . Reduced by full amount of pension payable based on own earnings in noncovered governmental employment (noncovered pension offset). Reduction does not apply if eligible for such pension before December 1982 and dependent.
1983 . . . . . . Noncovered pension offset provision not applicable if first eligible for such pension before July 1983 and dependent. Reduced by only two-thirds of such pension if first eligible for it after June 1983.
65 and 2 months–67 . . . Beginning in year 2000, the age at which 50% of PIA is payable will be gradually increased (see Table 2.A20).
62–66 . . . Reduced 25/36 of 1% for each of the first 36 months under the age at which 50% of PIA is payable, plus 5/12 of 1% for each of up to 24 earlier months of benefit receipt.
1984 . . . . . . Noncovered pension offset limited to two-thirds of such pension.
Divorced husband
1977 b 65 or older . . . Fully insured. Married 10 years. Not counted toward family maximum.
62–64 . . . Reduced 25/36 of 1% for each month under age 65.
. . . . . . Reduced by full amount of pension payable based on own earnings in noncovered governmental employment (noncovered pension offset).
1983 . . . . . . Noncovered pension offset not applicable if first eligible for such pension before July 1983 and dependent. Reduced by only two-thirds of such pension if first eligible after June 1983.
. . . . . . Can be independently entitled to benefits if divorced for 2 years or more (after marriage of 10 or more years) and worker could be entitled to benefits if she applied. Effective with benefits for months after December 1984.
65 and 2 months–67 . . . Beginning in year 2000, the age at which 50% of PIA is payable will be gradually increased (see Table 2.A20).
62–66 . . . Reduced 25/36 of 1% for each of the first 36 months under the age at which 50% of PIA is payable, plus 5/12 of 1% for each of up to 24 earlier months of benefit receipt.
1984 . . . . . . Noncovered pension offset limited to two-thirds of such pension.
Husband (father)
1978 c Under 65 . . . Fully insured. Caring for eligible child. Reduced by full amount of pension payable based on own earnings in noncovered governmental employment (noncovered pension offset).
1981 . . . . . . Eligible child excludes nondisabled child aged 16–17.
1983 . . . . . . Noncovered pension offset not applicable if first eligible for such pension before July 1983 and dependent. Reduced by only two-thirds of such pension if first eligible for it after June 1983.
1984 . . . . . . Noncovered pension offset limited to two-thirds of such pension.
SOURCES: Social Security Act of 1935 (the Act), as amended through December 31, 2005; regulations issued under the Act; and precedential case decisions (rulings). Specific laws, regulations, rulings, legislation, and a link to the Federal Register can be found at the Social Security Program Rules page (http://www.socialsecurity.gov/regulations/index.htm).
NOTE: PIA = primary insurance amount; . . . = not applicable.
a. Under the Act of 1939, generally not available to child of married female worker. Under the Act of 1950, available if female worker is fully and currently insured. Currently insured requirement eliminated the Act of 1967.
b. Northern District of California District Court decision in Oliver v. Califano, June 24, 1977. Statutory change enacted in 1983.
c. Eastern District of Pennsylvania District Court decision in Cooper v. Califano, December 29, 1978. Statutory change enacted in 1983.
CONTACT: Alberta Presberry (410) 966-8473.
Table 2.A22 Monthly benefits for survivors of deceased workers
Year enacted Age Percentage
of PIA		 Condition or qualification
Widow
1939 65 or older 75 Fully insured.
1956 62–64 . . . . . .
1961 . . . 82.5 . . .
1965 60–61 . . . Reduced 5/9 of 1% for each month under age 62.
1972 65 or older 100 Limited, if husband retired before age 65, to amount husband would be receiving if still living, but not less than 82 1/2% of PIA.
60–64 . . . Reduced 19/40 of 1% each month under age 65. In addition, for a widow aged 62–64 whose husband retired before age 65 limited to amount he would be receiving if still living, but not less than 82 1/2% of PIA.
1977 . . . . . . Increased by any delayed retirement credit husband would be receiving.
. . . . . . Reduced by full amount of pension payable based on own earnings in noncovered governmental employment (noncovered pension offset). Reduction does not apply if eligible for such pension before December 1982.
1983 . . . . . . Noncovered pension offset not applicable if first eligible for such pension before July 1983 and dependent. Reduced by only two-thirds of such pension if first eligible for it after June 1983.
65 and 2 months–67 . . . Beginning in year 2002, the age at which 100% of PIA is payable will be gradually increased, as follows:
Applicable PIA payable at age— Applicable to widows who attain age 60 in—
65 and 2 months 2000
65 and 4 months 2001
65 and 6 months 2002
65 and 8 months 2003
65 and 10 months 2004
66 2005–2016
66 and 2 months 2017
66 and 4 months 2018
66 and 6 months 2019
66 and 8 months 2020
66 and 10 months 2021
67 2022 and later
 
60–66 . . . The percent of reduction for each month depends on the age at which 100% of PIA is payable. The percentage is adjusted so that the total reduction, in equal monthly steps, is always 28 1/2% at age 60.
1984 . . . . . . Noncovered pension offset limited to two-thirds of such pension.
Disabled widow
1967 50–59 82.5 Fully insured. Reduced 13 1/3%, plus 43/198 of 1% for each month under age 60. Includes divorced wife, dependent and married 20 years.
1972 . . . 100 Reduced 28 1/2%, plus 43/240 of 1% for each month under age 60.
1977 . . . . . . Increased by any delayed retirement credit husband would be receiving.
. . . . . . Reduced by full amount of pension payable based on own earnings in noncovered governmental employment (noncovered pension offset). Reduction does not apply if eligible for such pension before December 1982.
1983 . . . . . . Noncovered pension offset not applicable if first eligible for such pension before July 1983 and dependent. Reduced by only two-thirds of such pension if first eligible for it after June 1983.
. . . . . . Additional reduction for each month under age 60 eliminated.
1984 . . . . . . Noncovered pension offset limited to two-thirds of such pension.
Surviving divorced wife
1965 60 or older 82.5 Fully insured. Dependent. Married 20 years. Not counted toward family maximum. Reduced 5/9 of 1% for each month under age 62.
1972 65 or older 100 Limited, if former husband retired before age 65, to amount he would be receiving if still living, but not less than 82 1/2% of PIA.
60–64 . . . Reduced 19/40 of 1% for each month under age 65. In addition, for widow aged 62–64 whose former husband retired before age 65, limited to amount he would be receiving if still living, but not less than 82 1/2% of PIA.
1977 . . . . . . Dependency requirement eliminated.
. . . . . . Increased by any delayed retirement increment former husband would be receiving.
. . . . . . Married 10 years.
. . . . . . Reduced by full amount of pension payable based on own earnings in noncovered governmental employment (noncovered pension offset). Reduction does not apply if eligible for such pension before December 1982 and married 20 years.
1983 . . . . . . Noncovered pension offset provision not applicable if first eligible for such pension before July 1983 and dependent. Reduced by only two-thirds of such pension if first eligible for it after June 1983.
65 and 2 months–67 . . . Beginning in year 2000, the age at which 100% of PIA is payable will be gradually increased (see Widow).
60–66 . . . The percent of reduction for each month depends on the age at which 100% of PIA is payable. The percentage is adjusted so that the total reduction, in equal monthly steps, is always 28 1/2% at age 60.
1984 . . . . . . Noncovered pension offset limited to two-thirds of such pension.
Disabled surviving divorced wife
1967 50–59 82.5 Fully insured. Dependent. Married 20 years. Not counted toward family maximum. Reduced 13 1/3%, plus 43/198 of 1% for each month under age 62.
1972 . . . 100 Reduced 28 1/2%, plus 43/240 of 1% for each month under age 60.
. . . . . . Dependency requirement eliminated.
1977 . . . . . . Increased by any delayed retirement increment husband (or former husband) would be receiving.
. . . . . . Married 10 years.
. . . . . . Reduced by full amount of pension payable based on own earnings in noncovered governmental employment (noncovered pension offset). Reduction does not apply if eligible for such pension before December 1982 and married 20 years.
1983 . . . . . . Noncovered pension offset not applicable if first eligible for such pension before July 1983 and dependent. Reduced by only two-thirds of such pension if first eligible for it after June 1983.
. . . . . . Additional reduction for each month under age 60 eliminated.
1984 . . . . . . Noncovered pension offset limited to two-thirds of such pension.
Widowed mother
1939 Under 65 75 Fully or currently insured. Caring for eligible child.
1965 . . . . . . Eligible child excludes student over age 18.
1977 . . . . . . Reduced by full amount of pension payable based on own earnings in noncovered governmental employment (noncovered pension offset). Reduction does not apply if eligible for such pension before December 1982.
1981 . . . . . . Eligible child excludes nondisabled child aged 16–17.
1983 . . . . . . Noncovered pension offset not applicable if first eligible for such pension before July 1983 and dependent. Reduced by only two-thirds of such pension if first eligible for it after June 1983.
1984 . . . . . . Noncovered pension offset limited to two-thirds of such pension.
Surviving divorced mother
1950 Under 65 75 Fully or currently insured. Caring for eligible child. Dependent. Not counted toward family maximum.
1965 . . . . . . Eligible child excludes student over age 18.
1972 . . . . . . Dependency requirement eliminated.
1977 . . . . . . Reduced by full amount of pension payable based on own earnings in noncovered governmental employment (noncovered pension offset). Reduction does not apply if eligible for such pension before December 1982.
1981 . . . . . . Eligible child excludes nondisabled child aged 16–17.
1983 . . . . . . Noncovered pension offset not applicable if first eligible for such pension before July 1983 and dependent. Reduced by only two-thirds of such pension if first eligible for it after June 1983.
1984 . . . . . . Noncovered pension offset limited to two-thirds of such pension.
Child
1939 Under 18 50 Fully or currently insured.a Student aged 16–17.
1946 . . . . . . Student requirement eliminated.
1950 . . . . . . Plus 25% of PIA divided among the children.
1960 . . . 75 Additional 25% of PIA eliminated.
1965 . . . . . . Full-time student.
1972 . . . . . . Benefits extended to end of quarter or semester in which 22nd birthday occurs while undergraduate student.
. . . . . . Includes grandchild under certain circumstances.
1981 18–22 . . . Student category eliminated (to be phased out gradually for those entitled before May 1982), except for elementary or secondary school students under age 19.
1996 . . . . . . Stepchildren must be dependent on worker.
Disabled child
1956 18 or older 50 Fully or currently insured.a Disabled before age 18. Plus 25% of PIA divided among the children.
1960 . . . 75 Additional 25% of PIA eliminated.
1972 . . . . . . Disabled before age 22.
. . . . . . Includes grandchild under certain circumstances.
Parent
1939 65 or older 50 Fully insured. Dependent. No surviving widow or child under age 18.
1946 . . . . . . No surviving eligible widow or child.
1950 . . . 75 . . .
1956 62–64 . . . Women.
1958 . . . . . . No-other-survivor requirement eliminated.
1961 62 or older 82.5 75% each if two parents.
Widower
1950 65 or older 75 Fully and currently insured. Dependent.
1961 62 or older 82.5 . . .
1967 . . . . . . Currently insured requirement eliminated.
1972 65 or older 100 Limited, if wife retired before age 65, to amount wife would be receiving if still living, but not less than 82 1/2% of PIA.
60–64 . . . Reduced 19/40 of 1% for each month under age 65. In addition, for a widower aged 62–64 whose wife retired before age 65, limited to amount she would be receiving if still living, but not less than 82 1/2% of PIA.
1977 . . . . . . Dependency requirement eliminated.
. . . . . . Increased by any delayed retirement increment wife would be receiving.
. . . . . . Reduced by full amount of pension payable based on own earnings in noncovered governmental employment (noncovered pension offset). Reduction does not apply if eligible for such pension before December 1982, dependent, and not remarried before age 60.
1983 . . . . . . Noncovered pension offset not applicable if first eligible for such pension before July 1983 and dependent. Reduced by only two-thirds of such pension if first eligible for it after June 1983.
65 and 2 months–67 . . . Beginning in year 2000, the age at which 100% of PIA is payable will be gradually increased (see Widow).
60–66 . . . The percent of reduction for each month depends on the age at which 100% of PIA is payable. The percentage is adjusted so that the total reduction, in equal monthly steps, is always 28 1/2% at age 60.
1984 . . . . . . Noncovered pension offset limited to two-thirds of such pension.
Disabled widower
1967 50–61 82.5 Fully insured. Dependent. Reduced 5/9 of 1% per month between ages 60–62, plus 43/198 of 1% for each month under age 60.
1972 50–59 100 Reduced 28 1/2%, plus 43/240 of 1% for each month under age 60. Disability requirement eliminated for ages 60–61.
. . . . . . Dependency requirement eliminated.
1977 . . . . . . Increased by any delayed retirement increment wife would be receiving.
. . . . . . Reduced by full amount of pension payable based on own earnings in noncovered governmental employment (noncovered pension offset). Reduction does not apply if eligible for such pension before December 1982, dependent, and not remarried before age 60.
1983 . . . . . . Noncovered pension offset not applicable if first eligible for such pension before July 1983 and dependent. Reduced by only two-thirds of such pension if first eligible for it after June 1983.
. . . . . . Additional reduction for each month under age 60 eliminated.
1984 . . . . . . Noncovered pension offset limited to two-thirds of such pension.
Surviving divorced husband
1980 b 65 or older 100 Fully insured. Married 10 years. Increased by any delayed retirement credit former wife would be receiving. Limited, if former wife retired before age 65, to amount she would be receiving if still living, but not less than 82 1/2% of PIA. Not counted toward family maximum. Reduced by full amount of pension payable based on own earnings in noncovered governmental employment (noncovered pension offset).
60–64 . . . Reduced 19/40 of 1% for each month under age 65. In addition, for a widower aged 62–64 whose wife retired before age 65, limited to amount she would be receiving if still living, but not less than 82 1/2% of PIA.
1983 . . . . . . Noncovered pension offset provision not applicable if first eligible for such pension before July 1983 and dependent. Reduced by only two-thirds of such pension if first eligible for it after June 1983.
65 and 2 months–67 . . . Beginning in year 2000, the age at which 50% of PIA is payable will be gradually increased (see Widow).
60–66 . . . The percent of reduction for each month depends on the age at which 100% of PIA is payable. The percentage is adjusted so that the total reduction, in equal monthly steps, is always 28 1/2% at age 60.
1984 . . . . . . Noncovered pension offset limited to two-thirds of such pension.
Disabled surviving divorced husband
1980 b 50–59 100 Fully insured. Married 10 years. Increased by any delayed retirement credit former wife would be receiving. Reduced 28 1/2%, plus 43/240 of 1% for each month under age 60. Not counted toward family maximum. Reduced by full amount of pension payable based on own earnings in noncovered employment (noncovered pension offset).
1983 . . . . . . Noncovered pension offset provision not applicable if first eligible for such pension before July 1983 and dependent. Reduced by only two-thirds of such pension if first eligible for it after June 1983.
. . . . . . Additional reduction for each month under age 60 eliminated.
1984 . . . . . . Noncovered pension offset limited to two-thirds of such pension.
Widowed father
1975 c Under 65 75 Fully or currently insured. Caring for eligible child under age 18.
1977 . . . . . . Reduced by full amount of pension payable based on own earnings in noncovered governmental employment (noncovered pension offset). Reduction does not apply if eligible for such pension before December 1982.
1981 . . . . . . Eligible child excludes nondisabled child aged 16–17.
1983 . . . . . . Noncovered pension offset provision not applicable if first eligible for such pension before July 1983 and dependent. Reduced by only two-thirds of such pension if first eligible for it after June 1983.
1984 . . . . . . Noncovered pension offset to two-thirds of such pension.
Surviving divorced father
1979 d Under 65 75 Fully or currently insured. Caring for eligible child under age 18. Reduced by full amount of pension payable based on own earnings in noncovered governmental employment (noncovered pension offset).
1981 . . . . . . Eligible child excludes nondisabled child aged 16–17.
1983 . . . . . . Noncovered pension offset provision not applicable if first eligible for such pension before July 1983 and dependent. Reduced by only two-thirds of such pension if first eligible for it after June 1983.
1984 . . . . . . Noncovered pension offset limited to two-thirds of such pension.
SOURCES: Social Security Act of 1935 (the Act), as amended through December 31, 2005; regulations issued under the Act; and precedential case decisions (rulings). Specific laws, regulations, rulings, legislation, and a link to the Federal Register can be found at the Social Security Program Rules page.
NOTE: PIA = primary insurance amount; . . . = not applicable.
a. Under the Act of 1939, generally not available to child of married female worker. Under the Act of 1950, available if female worker is fully and currently insured; currently insured requirement eliminated by the Act of 1967.
b. Oregon District Court decision in Ambrose v. Harris, July 17, 1980. Statutory change enacted in 1983.
c. Supreme Court decision in Weinberger v. Wiesenfeld, March 19, 1975. Statutory change enacted in 1983.
d. Western District Court decision in Yates v. Califano, January 28, 1979. Statutory change enacted in 1983.
CONTACT: Alberta Presberry (410) 966-8473.
Table 2.A23 Monthly benefits for transitionally insured workers and their spouses and surviving spouses, aged 72 before 1969
Type of benefit Effective date Amount
Enacted in 1965
Worker September 1965 $35.00
October 1966 Same as benefit for individual receiving special age-72 benefits (see Table 2.A24)
Wife September 1963 One-half of worker's benefit
Widow September 1963 Same as worker's benefit
Enacted in 1983
Husband May 1983 One-half of worker's benefit
Widower May 1983 Same as worker's benefit
SOURCES: Social Security Act of 1935 (the Act), as amended through December 31, 2005; regulations issued under the Act; and precedential case decisions (rulings). Specific laws, regulations, rulings, legislation, and a link to the Federal Register can be found at the Social Security Program Rules page.
CONTACT: Alberta Presberry (410) 966-8473.
Table 2.A24 Monthly benefits for individuals and couples insured for special age-72 (Prouty) benefits
Year enacted Effective date Age Amount a (dollars)
Individual Couple
1966 October 1966 72 35.00 52.50
1967 February 1968 . . . 40.00 60.00
1969 January 1970 . . . 46.00 69.00
1971 January 1971 . . . 48.30 72.50
1972 b September 1972 . . . 58.00 87.00
1973 c June–December 1974 . . . 61.50 92.30
1973 d March 1974 . . . 62.10 93.20
June 1974 . . . 64.40 96.60
June 1975 . . . 69.50 104.40
June 1976 . . . 74.10 111.20
June 1977 . . . 78.50 117.80
June 1978 . . . 83.70 125.60
June 1979 . . . 92.00 138.10
June 1980 . . . 105.20 157.90
June 1981 . . . 117.00 175.70
June 1982 . . . 125.60 188.60
1983 e December 1983 . . . 129.90 . . .
December 1984 . . . 134.40 . . .
December 1985 . . . 138.50 . . .
December 1986 . . . 140.30 . . .
December 1987 . . . 146.10 . . .
December 1988 . . . 151.90 . . .
December 1989 . . . 159.00 . . .
1990 December 1990 72 before 1972 f 167.50 . . .
December 1991 . . . 173.60 . . .
December 1992 . . . 178.80 . . .
December 1993 . . . 183.40 . . .
December 1994 . . . 188.50 . . .
December 1995 . . . 193.40 . . .
December 1996 . . . 199.00 . . .
December 1997 . . . 203.10 . . .
December 1998 . . . 205.70 . . .
December 1999 g . . . 210.80 . . .
December 2000 . . . 218.10 . . .
December 2001 . . . 223.70 . . .
December 2002 . . . 226.80 . . .
December 2003 . . . 231.50 . . .
December 2004 . . . 237.70 . . .
December 2005 . . . 247.40 . . .
SOURCES: Social Security Act of 1935 (the Act), as amended through December 31, 2005; regulations issued under the Act; and precedential case decisions (rulings). Specific laws, regulations, rulings, legislation, and a link to the Federal Register can be found at the Social Security Program Rules page. Social Security Administration, "Cost-of-Living Increase and Other Determinations for 2006," Federal Register, vol. 70, no. 205 (October 25, 2005).
NOTE: . . . = not applicable.
a. Monthly benefit reduced by amount of any government pension excluding workers' compensation benefits and veterans' compensation for service-connected disability or death. Not available for persons receiving assistance.
b. Provision for future automatic cost-of-living adjustments.
c. Suspended by legislation in 1973.
d. Beginning June 1975, subject to automatic cost-of-living adjustments. Benefits no longer available to persons receiving payments under the Supplemental Security Income program.
e. Separate rate for couples eliminated. Rate for individuals applied to all beneficiaries.
f. Effective for applications after November 5, 1990.
g. The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for December 1999 was originally determined to be 2.4 percent, based on the consumer price index (CPI). The underlying CPI was later recomputed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics; a 2.5 percent COLA would have been consistent with the recomputed CPI. Pursuant to Public Law 106-554, benefits were calculated and paid in August 2001 and later as if the COLA for December 1999 had been 2.5 percent. Affected beneficiaries received a one-time payment to cover the shortfall that occurred before August 2001.
CONTACT: Alberta Presberry (410) 966-8473.
Table 2.A25 Lump-sum benefits and vocational rehabilitation services, by type of benefit
Year enacted Provision
Lump-sum refund
1935 Persons not insured at age 65 eligible for lump-sum refund equal to 3.5 percent of cumulative wage credits.
1939 Lump-sum refund eliminated.
Lump-sum death payment
1935 Under age 65: 3.5 percent of cumulative wage credits. Aged 65 or older and fully insured: 3.5 percent of cumulative wage credits, less monthly benefits received.
1939 Fully and currently insured: 6 times PIA if no survivor eligible for monthly benefits.
1950 3 times PIA for all deaths.
1954 3 times PIA with maximum of $255.
1981 Payable only to a widow or widower who was living with the worker at time of the death or to a widow, widower, or children eligible for monthly benefits. Amount of lump sum fixed at $255.a
Vocational rehabilitation services
1965 Available to selected disabled individuals. Costs of services payable from OASDI trust funds to state vocational rehabilitation agencies. Reimbursement in any year may not exceed 1 percent of the total amount of OASDI disability benefits disbursed in the prior year.
1972 Maximum annual reimbursement increased to 1.25 percent for fiscal year ending June 30, 1973, and 1.50 percent thereafter.
1981 Reimbursement from trust funds for cost of rehabilitation services made if the services result in the disabled individual's return to work (performance of substantial gainful activity for 9 consecutive months).
1999 Enhancements including expanded beneficiary choice of service providers and extended health care for beneficiaries who return to work.
SOURCES: Social Security Act of 1935 (the Act), as amended through December 31, 2005; regulations issued under the Act; and precedential case decisions (rulings). Specific laws, regulations, rulings, legislation, and a link to the Federal Register can be found at the Social Security Program Rules page.
a. The amount of the lump sum is effectively fixed at $255 because of increases in the pre-1981 PIA. The 1981 legislation eliminating the minimum PIA is not applicable to the calculation of the lump-sum death payment.
CONTACT: Alberta Presberry (410) 966-8473.
Table 2.A26 Monthly benefit amount for selected beneficiary families with first eligibility in 2005, by average indexed monthly earnings for stipulated yearly wage levels, effective December 2005 (in dollars)
Beneficiary family Federal
minimum
wage a		 75% of
average
wage		 Average
wage b		 150% of
average
wage		 Maximum
taxable
earnings c
Retired-worker families d
Average indexed monthly earnings 1,280.00 2,131.00 2,842.00 4,221.00 6,137.00
Primary insurance amount 804.90 1,088.30 1,325.20 1,706.40 2,005.50
Maximum family benefit 1,207.30 1,943.00 2,419.20 2,985.90 3,509.50
Monthly benefit amount for retired worker claiming benefits at age 62
Worker alone 603.00 816.00 993.00 1,279.00 1,504.00
Worker with spouse claiming benefits at—
Full retirement age or older e 1,005.00 1,360.00 1,655.00 2,132.00 2,506.00
Age 62 884.00 1,196.00 1,456.00 1,876.00 2,205.00
Survivor families f
Average indexed monthly earnings 1,045.00 2,136.00 2,848.00 4,273.00 7,019.00
Primary insurance amount 726.60 1,090.00 1,327.20 1,714.50 2,143.30
Maximum family benefit 1,089.90 1,947.50 2,421.80 3,000.10 3,750.50
Monthly benefit amount for survivor of worker deceased at age 40
1 surviving child 544.00 817.00 995.00 1,285.00 1,607.00
Widowed mother or father and 1 child 1,088.00 1,634.00 1,990.00 2,570.00 3,214.00
Widowed mother or father and 2 children 1,089.00 1,947.00 2,421.00 3,000.00 3,750.00
Disabled-worker families g
Average indexed monthly earnings 1,176.00 2,133.00 2,844.00 4,266.00 6,870.00
Primary insurance amount 770.20 1,089.00 1,325.90 1,713.30 2,119.90
Maximum family benefit h 1,040.50 1,633.60 1,988.80 2,570.00 3,179.90
Monthly benefit amount for disabled worker age 50
Worker alone 770.00 1,089.00 1,325.00 1,713.00 2,119.00
Worker, spouse, and 1 child 1,040.00 1,633.00 1,987.00 2,569.00 3,179.00
SOURCES: Social Security Act of 1935 (the Act), as amended through December 31, 2005; regulations issued under the Act; and precedential case decisions (rulings). Specific laws, regulations, rulings, legislation, and a link to the Federal Register can be found on the Social Security Program Rules page. Social Security Administration, "Cost-of-Living Increase and Other Determinations for 2006," Federal Register, vol. 70, no. 205 (October 25, 2005).
a. Annual earnings are calculated by multiplying the federal minimum wage by 2,080 hours (see Table 3.B3). Increases in the minimum wage during the year are prorated.
b. See Table 2.A8.
c. See Table 2.A9.
d. Assumes the worker began to work at age 22, retired at age 62 in 2005 with maximum reduction, and had no prior period of disability.
e. The full retirement age is the earliest age at which an unreduced spousal benefit is payable.
f. Assumes the deceased worker began to work at age 22, died in 2005 at age 40, had no earnings in that year, and had no prior period of disability.
g. Assumes the worker began to work at age 22, became disabled at age 50 in 2005, had no earnings in that year, and had no prior period of disability.
h. The Amendments of 1980 to the Social Security Act provide for a different family maximum amount in disability cases. For disabled workers entitled after June 1980, the maximum is the smaller of (1) 85 percent of the worker's average indexed monthly earnings (or 100 percent of the primary insurance amount, if larger) or (2) 150 percent of the primary insurance amount.
CONTACT: Alberta Presberry (410) 966-8473.
Table 2.A27 Minimum and maximum monthly retired-worker benefits payable to individuals who retired at age 62, by year they attained age 62, 1957–2006 (in dollars)
Year a Minimum benefit payable Maximum benefit payable
At retirement Effective
December 2005 b		 At retirement Effective
December 2005 b
Men Women Men Women
1957 24.00 340.10 . . . 86.80 . . . 838.80
1958 24.00 340.10 . . . 86.80 . . . 838.80
1959 26.40 340.10 . . . 92.80 . . . 838.80
1960 26.40 338.70 . . . 95.20 . . . 860.40
1961 26.40 336.80 . . . 96.00 . . . 866.60
1962 32.00 335.80 93.60 96.80 845.20 874.30
1963 32.00 334.10 94.40 97.60 851.00 880.10
1964 32.00 334.10 95.20 98.40 856.50 885.80
1965 35.20 333.70 102.80 105.40 861.20 884.00
1966 35.20 330.80 102.80 106.20 858.30 887.10
1967 35.20 328.90 105.40 108.80 877.40 905.10
1968 44.00 c 324.50 121.00 c 124.80 c 881.80 910.70
1969 44.00 321.40 124.80 128.40 900.90 927.30
1970 51.20 316.80 146.80 151.90 909.60 941.00
1971 56.40 312.60 163.60 170.50 908.20 947.30
1972 56.40 308.20 167.10 172.90 915.50 947.10
1973 67.60 303.90 207.60 212.90 932.60 957.40
1974 67.60 299.00 217.00 219.70 961.30 972.80
1975 75.10 295.10 253.10 253.10 995.30 995.30
1976 81.20 291.60 285.60 285.60 1,027.60 1,027.60
1977 86.40 289.50 319.40 319.40 1,072.80 1,072.80
1978 91.50 288.10 354.60 354.60 1,122.00 1,122.00
1979 97.60 289.30 388.90 d 388.90 d 1,155.70 1,155.70
1980 97.60 262.90 402.80 d 402.80 d 1,089.00 1,089.00
1981 97.60 229.70 432.00 432.00 1,021.40 1,021.40
1982 e e 474.60 474.60 1,009.40 1,009.40
1983 e e 526.40 526.40 1,042.10 1,042.10
1984 e e 559.40 559.40 1,070.10 1,070.10
1985 e e 591.30 591.30 1,093.40 1,093.40
1986 e e 630.50 630.50 1,130.70 1,130.70
1987 e e 662.10 662.10 1,172.20 1,172.20
1988 e e 686.70 686.70 1,166.80 1,166.80
1989 e e 734.00 734.00 1,199.10 1,199.10
1990 e e 774.60 774.60 1,208.90 1,208.90
1991 e e 810.00 810.00 1,199.30 1,199.30
1992 e e 854.10 854.10 1,219.90 1,219.90
1993 e e 893.60 893.60 1,239.20 1,239.20
1994 e e 948.00 948.00 1,281.30 1,281.30
1995 e e 965.90 965.90 1,270.10 1,270.10
1996 e e 999.90 999.90 1,281.50 1,281.50
1997 e e 1,049.10 1,049.10 1,306.90 1,306.90
1998 e e 1,109.60 1,109.60 1,353.90 1,353.90
1999 e e 1,183.60 1,183.60 1,425.60 f 1,425.60 f
2000 e e 1,241.70 1,241.70 1,459.10 1,459.10
2001 e e 1,307.30 1,307.30 1,484.20 1,484.20
2002 e e 1,375.30 1,375.30 1,522.00 1,522.00
2003 e e 1,404.30 1,404.30 1,532.70 1,532.70
2004 e e 1,414.80 1,414.80 1,512.40 1,512.40
2005 e e 1,444.90 1,444.90 1,504.10 1,504.10
2006 e e 1,522.50 1,522.50 . . . . . .
SOURCES: Social Security Act of 1935 (the Act), as amended through December 31, 2005; regulations issued under the Act; and precedential case decisions (rulings). Specific laws, regulations, rulings, legislation, and a link to the Federal Register can be found on the Social Security Program Rules page. Social Security Administration, "Cost-of-Living Increase and Other Determinations for 2006," Federal Register, vol. 70, no. 205 (October 25, 2005).
NOTES: Benefit first available at age 62 to female workers effective November 1956 and to male workers effective August 1961.
. . . = not applicable.
a. Assumes the worker began to work at age 22, retired at the beginning of the year, had no prior disability, and received the maximum reduction. Through 1999, the assumed reduction was 36 months at 5/9 of 1 percent per month, or 20 percent. In 2000, with the increase in the full retirement age (FRA) to 65 and 2 months, the reduction increased to 20.008333 percent (see Tables 2.A17.1 and 2.A20). In 2001, the FRA increased to 65 and 4 months for a maximum reduction of 21.666667 percent. In 2002, the FRA increased to 65 and 6 months for a maximum reduction of 22.5 percent. In 2003, the FRA increased to 65 and 8 months for a maximum reduction of 23.333333 percent. In 2004, the FRA increased to 65 and 10 months for a maximum reduction of 24.16667 percent. In 2005 and 2006, the FRA increased to 66 for a maximum reduction of 25 percent.
b. Final benefit amount payable after Supplementary Medical Insurance (SMI) premium or any other deduction is rounded to next lower $1.
c. Effective February 1968.
d. Derived from transitional guarantee computation based on primary insurance amount (PIA) table of 1978.
e. In 1981, legislation eliminated the minimum PIA for workers who attain age 62 in 1982 or later. (The minimum is retained until 1991 for members of religious orders who were under a vow of poverty, provided that the order had elected Social Security coverage before December 29, 1981.)
f. The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for December 1999 was originally determined to be 2.4 percent, based on the consumer price index (CPI). The underlying CPI was later recomputed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics; a 2.5 percent COLA would have been consistent with the recomputed CPI. Pursuant to Public Law 106-554, benefits were calculated and paid in August 2001 and later as if the COLA for December 1999 had been 2.5 percent. Affected beneficiaries received a one-time payment to cover the shortfall that occurred before August 2001.
CONTACT: Alberta Presberry (410) 966-8473.
Table 2.A28 Minimum and maximum monthly retired-worker benefits payable to individuals who retired at age 65, by year they attained age 65, 1940–2006 (in dollars)
Year a Minimum benefit payable Maximum benefit payable
At retirement Effective
December 2005 b		 At retirement Effective
December 2005 b
Men Women Men Women
1940 10.00 360.90 41.20 41.20 699.80 699.80
1941 10.00 360.90 41.60 41.60 699.80 699.80
1942 10.00 360.90 42.00 42.00 708.10 708.10
1943 10.00 360.90 42.40 42.40 708.10 708.10
1944 10.00 360.90 42.80 42.80 708.10 708.10
1945 10.00 360.90 43.20 43.20 715.70 715.70
1946 10.00 360.90 43.60 43.60 724.40 724.40
1947 10.00 360.90 44.00 44.00 731.10 731.10
1948 10.00 360.90 44.40 44.40 731.10 731.10
1949 10.00 360.90 44.80 44.80 738.60 738.60
1950 10.00 360.90 45.20 45.20 747.70 747.70
1951 20.00 360.90 68.50 68.50 747.70 747.70
1952 20.00 360.90 68.50 68.50 747.70 747.70
1953 25.00 360.90 85.00 85.00 826.10 826.10
1954 25.00 360.90 85.00 85.00 826.10 826.10
1955 30.00 360.90 98.50 98.50 826.10 826.10
1956 30.00 360.90 103.50 103.50 872.80 872.80
1957 30.00 360.90 108.50 108.50 912.30 912.30
1958 30.00 360.90 108.50 108.50 912.30 912.30
1959 33.00 360.90 116.00 116.00 912.30 912.30
1960 33.00 360.90 119.00 119.00 935.20 935.20
1961 33.00 360.90 120.00 120.00 942.70 942.70
1962 40.00 360.90 121.00 123.00 951.30 967.50
1963 40.00 360.90 122.00 125.00 958.80 981.80
1964 40.00 360.90 123.00 127.00 967.50 998.40
1965 44.00 360.90 131.70 135.90 967.50 998.40
1966 44.00 360.90 132.70 135.90 974.50 998.40
1967 44.00 360.90 135.90 140.00 998.40 1027.80
1968 55.00 c 360.90 156.00 c 161.60 c 1,013.30 1,049.80
1969 55.00 360.90 160.50 167.30 1,043.00 1,086.90
1970 64.00 360.90 189.80 196.40 1,072.20 1,110.40
1971 70.40 360.90 213.10 220.40 1,094.10 1,130.80
1972 70.40 360.90 216.10 224.70 1,110.40 1,153.70
1973 84.50 360.90 266.10 276.40 1,138.70 1,182.80
1974 84.50 360.90 274.60 284.90 1,174.40 1,219.10
1975 93.80 360.90 316.30 333.70 1,219.10 1,286.10
1976 101.40 360.90 364.00 378.80 1,298.10 1,351.10
1977 107.90 360.90 412.70 422.40 1,383.80 1,415.80
1978 114.30 360.90 459.80 459.80 1,455.70 1,455.70
1979 121.80 360.90 503.40 503.40 1,496.10 1,496.10
1980 133.90 360.90 572.00 572.00 1,546.90 1,546.90
1981 153.10 360.90 677.00 677.00 1,601.80 1,601.80
1982 170.30 d 360.90 679.30 d 679.30 d 1,444.50 1,444.50
1983 166.40 d 328.30 709.50 709.50 1,405.30 1,405.30
1984 150.50 d 286.40 703.60 703.60 1,346.40 1,346.40
1985 e e 717.20 717.20 1,326.30 1,326.30
1986 e e 760.10 760.10 1,363.30 1,363.30
1987 e e 789.20 789.20 1,397.50 1,397.50
1988 e e 838.60 838.60 1,425.30 1,425.30
1989 e e 899.60 899.60 1,469.90 1,469.90
1990 e e 975.00 975.00 1,522.00 1,522.00
1991 e e 1,022.90 1,022.90 1,515.00 1,515.00
1992 e e 1,088.70 1,088.70 1,555.10 1,555.10
1993 e e 1,128.80 1,128.80 1,565.50 1,565.50
1994 e e 1,147.50 1,147.50 1,551.00 1,551.00
1995 e e 1,199.10 1,199.10 1,576.80 1,576.80
1996 e e 1,248.90 1,248.90 1,600.70 1,600.70
1997 e e 1,326.60 1,326.60 1,652.60 1,652.60
1998 e e 1,342.80 1,342.80 1,638.40 1,638.40
1999 e e 1,373.10 1,373.10 1,653.90 1,653.90
2000 e e 1,435.30 1,435.30 1,686.80 1,686.80
2001 e e 1,538.20 f 1,538.20 f 1,746.50 1,746.50
2002 e e 1,660.50 1,660.50 1,837.70 1,837.70
2003 g e e 1,721.70 1,721.70 1,879.20 1,879.20
2004 h e e 1,784.80 1,784.80 1,908.00 1,908.00
2005 i e e 1,874.30 1,874.30 1,951.10 1,951.10
2006 j e e 1,961.90 1,961.90 . . . . . .
SOURCES: Social Security Act of 1935 (the Act), as amended through December 31, 2005; regulations issued under the Act; and precedential case decisions (rulings). Specific laws, regulations, rulings, legislation, and a link to the Federal Register can be found on the Social Security Program Rules page. Social Security Administration, "Cost-of-Living Increase and Other Determinations for 2006," Federal Register, vol. 70, no. 205 (October 25, 2005).
NOTE: . . . = not applicable.
a. Through 2002, assumes that the worker began to work at age 22, retired at the beginning of the year with unreduced benefits, had no earnings after retirement, and had no prior period of disability. Effective 2003, the same assumptions apply except that the benefit is reduced by 2 months because, for a worker retiring at age 65 in 2003, the age at which one can receive an unreduced benefit—the full retirement age (FRA)—has been raised from 65 to 65 and 2 months. In 2004, the FRA is 65 and 4 months, so the benefit is reduced by 4 months. In 2005, the FRA is 65 and 6 months, so the benefit is reduced by 6 months. In 2006, the FRA is 65 and 8 months, so the benefit is reduced by 8 months.
b. Final benefit amount payable after Supplementary Medical Insurance (SMI) premium or any other deduction is rounded to next lower $1.
c. Effective February 1968.
d. Derived from transitional guarantee computation based on primary insurance amount (PIA) table of 1978.
e. In 1981, legislation eliminated the minimum PIA for workers who attain age 62 in 1982 or later. (The minimum is retained until 1991 for members of religious orders who are under a vow of poverty, provided that the order had elected Social Security coverage before December 29, 1981.)
f. The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for December 1999 was originally determined to be 2.4 percent, based on the consumer price index (CPI). The underlying CPI was later recomputed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics; a 2.5 percent COLA would have been consistent with the recomputed CPI. Pursuant to Public Law 106-554, benefits were calculated and paid in August 2001 and later as if the COLA for December 1999 had been 2.5 percent. Affected beneficiaries received a one-time payment to cover the shortfall that occurred before August 2001.
g. The full retirement benefit at age 65 and 2 months is $1,741.10.
h. The full retirement benefit at age 65 and 4 months is $1,825.40.
i. The full retirement benefit at age 65 and 6 months is $1,939.00.
j. The full retirement benefit at age 65 and 8 months is $2,053.20.
CONTACT: Alberta Presberry (410) 966-8473.