When I filed for social security at the age of 62, having paid in for 40 + years, I was told only the last 5 years counted. I don't understand that. I have worked off and on since then, I am now going on 76 years old and have been paying into ss since then with very small increases in my checks. I don't know how all of this is figured, but I don't think this is fair. When I hear
Politicians say entitlements need to be cut it really makes me mad. I could have been putting that money in investments and would have something to count on.

Hi,

I don't know who told you that only your last 5 years counted, but that's totally incorrect. Social Security retirement benefits are based on a person's best 35 years of inflation adjusted earnings. Refer to this pamphlet for more information: https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10070.pdf.

Best, Jerry