The 2013 edition of Social Security Explained succinctly provides a succinct, comprehensive, and detailed explanation of the federal old-age, survivor's and disability insurance programs under the Social Security Act. Social Security Explained covers: Who is covered by the Social Security system Liability for the tax, how a worker acquires "insured status" required for benefit eligibility The conditions of entitlement to the various kinds of Social Security benefits In addition to citations to the law, regulations and administrative rulings, Social Security Explained includes: The latest earnings base for Social Security tax and Medicare portion of the tax, as well as the annual earnings or retirement test amount The formula for the calculation of the maximum total amounts a family can receive in 2013 and prior years Documentation of statements throughout the text by citing the law, regulation, and Social Security administration manuals wherever possible And much more!