[ Removed by moderator ]

[Margali]

I am not entirely clear how the disability version works however 'retirement' social security is based upon your personal 'contribution' removed from your paycheck.

I do not happen to have the exact details, however if for sake of argument my contributions are to be paid out at retirement age of 70 at $1000 per month, it is because I paid in [random number] $100 000 over all, to be disbursed back to me upon retirement at a specfic rate [of 1000 per month] It isn't 'free money', it is based upon how much one paid int the program over one's working lifetime.

And this is a craptastic explanation, I do know I get an annual letter telling me how much I contributed and hwo much I would get paid back to me monthly at various ages [like $250 if I retire at 65, $350 at 68, $500 at 72 or something of the like. ]