HR Policies: 6.8.6
Social Security
Subject: Providing Benefits
Number: 6.8.6
Issued: 3/1/82
Revised: 6/30/98
Purpose
Social Security is a program sponsored by the Federal Government
(See Social Security Administration
Web site)which provides income to retirees, disabled persons,
or dependents of disabled and deceased persons.
Eligibility
Assuming one is fully insured in the Social Security system, full
Social Security benefits are available when employees reach their
Social Security Retirement Age (based on year of birth) and retire.
Partial benefits are available to persons who retire early between
the ages of 62 and their Social Security Retirement Age or to persons
who continue to work beyond the age of 62 but reduce their annual
earnings below certain levels.
Contribution
The university contributes an amount equal to that of the mandatory
employee payroll deduction known as FICA.
Description of Benefits
Monthly Social Security benefits are paid to eligible employees.
Benefits are based upon the employee's average monthly earnings
over a period of years and the employee's age.
Benefits paid to a deceased employee's dependents or to disabled persons are based upon the number of years that the employee worked and the employee's average monthly earnings.
Procedure
All employees of Cornell University must have a Social Security
identification number which may be obtained through the local Social
Security office.
Employees should go to the local Social Security office to complete the appropriate application forms three months before they wish to receive benefits.
A full description of eligibility requirements and Social Security benefits may be obtained through the Social Security Administration .
Contact the local Social Security office for more information or call the Social Security toll-free telephone number 1-800-772-1213.