Did you know that the age at which many workers will qualify for full Social Security benefits has risen to 67 from 65? If that's news to you, you're not alone: The majority of workers are still in the dark about Social Security eligibility requirements and many expect to qualify for benefits payments sooner than they actually will.

Combined with lingering questions about the long-term financial health of the overall Social Security program, these facts reinforce the importance of understanding exactly what you might expect from Social Security during your retirement.

Benefit Basics

The exact amount of your Social Security benefit will depend upon your earnings history. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), your benefits will be there for you when you retire. However, the SSA also acknowledges that some changes to the present system may be required.

For example, when Social Security was created, the average life span was less than 65 years. But today, many people are living longer, healthier lives. And because the nation's 76 million baby boomers are approaching retirement, there will be nearly twice as many older Americans in 30 years as there are today.¹

What's in Store?

Ideally, Social Security takes in more in taxes each year than it pays out in benefits. But in 2010, according to estimates by the SSA, current taxes were not enough to pay scheduled benefits and administrative expenses. Based on SSA projections, by 2036, the Social Security trust fund will be exhausted and payroll taxes collected will be enough to pay only about 77% of benefits owed. Recognition of these issues is growing, and legislators are now looking at funding and investment options to resolve them.

While your Social Security benefits are an important piece of the retirement income equation, you probably shouldn't plan to rely on Social Security alone for your future income. Your employer-sponsored retirement savings plan, company pension, and personal savings may need to provide the major portion of your income in retirement.

For More Information

If you’d like to learn more, please contact Echo Zhang, CFP®, (301)631-7109, echo.zhang@mssb.com. http://fa.smithbarney.com/thehosfordjoycegroup

¹Source: Social Security Administration, Fast Facts & Figures About Social Security, 2011.

Article by McGraw Hill and provided courtesy of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Financial Advisor.

The author(s) are not employees of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC ("MSSB"). The opinions expressed by the authors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of MSSB. The information and data in the article or publication has been obtained from sources outside of MSSB and MSSB makes no representations or guarantees as to the accuracy or completeness of information or data from sources outside of MSSB. Neither the information provided nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation by MSSB with respect to the purchase or sale of any security, investment, strategy or product that may be mentioned.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Financial Advisor(s) engaged Asian Fortune to feature this article.

Echo Zhang may only transact business in states where she is registered or excluded or exempted from registration http://fa.smithbarney.com/thehosfordjoycegroup. Transacting business, follow-up and individualized responses involving either effecting or attempting to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, will not be made to persons in states where Echo Zhang is not registered or excluded or exempt from registration.

Investments and services offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, member SIPC.

CRC 494692 05/12