Social Security Benefits 

The amount of money and benefits you receive from Social Security will be directly proportionate to how many “credits” you earned while working.  These credits may be earned as long as you are paying Social Security taxes.  Credits are proportionate to the amount of money you earn.  You can earn a maximum of 4 credits per year. The amount of money required to earn one credit increases each year to account for earning increases.  Each credit you earn will remain on your Social Security record even if you change jobs or have no earnings for a while.

Your benefits will increase when necessary to account for inflation.  Social Security provides a cost-of-living increase that is based on the consumer index. If you are still working and start receiving your benefits before your full retirement age, your checks will be reduced based on the income.  Once you reach your full retirement age, there is no limit to the amount you can receive.