Hi Larry, I remember reading somewhere that the 35 best years of Social Security earnings are calculated starting from age 22. Is this right? I did the work sheet for my age and I actually had a couple years prior to age 22 that were in my top 35 once they were adjusted with the multiplier. It wasn't much but a few dollars and when I signed up for benefits at the Social Security office they didn't account for these years on their computer simulation compared to my work sheet. What would Larry do in this situation....can I contest it or is this even true? To make it more complicated I am currently taking a spousal on my wife's earnings since I was born before 1954 so would I contest it when I switch to my benefit at age 70? Thanks for your extreme knowledge on this topic....you are the best!!

Hi,

No, that's not right. As long as Social Security taxes were withheld or paid on earnings, they can be used to calculate a person's benefit rate regardless of the person's age at the time they had they earnings.

I can't explain why your earnings in the years before you turned age 22 weren't included in what you received at the Social Security office, but when you eventually apply for your own Social Security retirement benefits your earnings in those years should be considered when calculating your benefit rate. Your earnings years prior to age 22 will only be used, though, if they are among your highest 35 years of wage indexed earnings (https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10070.pdf). After you apply for your benefits and you receive your award letter, if you believe that your benefit amount is incorrect you can file a request to appeal (https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10041.pdf).

Best, Jerry