If You Can't Answer This Question, You're Not Ready for Social Security

When it comes to claiming Social Security, you get choices. The age at which you file for Social Security will determine how much monthly income the program provides you with. The monthly Social Security benefit you'll be entitled to collect during retirement is calculated based on your personal wage history -- specifically, your average monthly wages, adjusted for inflation, over the course of your 35 highest-paid years in the labor force.