How business owners can plan for their eventual retirement

Most business owners are hyper-focused on growing their business and legacy. But at some point, they must consider a plan for retirement. That's why it's important for business owners to begin thinking about how Social Security fits into their retirement planning. Social Security benefits are part of the retirement plan of almost every American worker -- including business owners.

Since there are specific rules for business owners, they should speak with a financial advisor or accountant before applying. One of the biggest mistakes business owners make -- aside from starting retirement planning too late -- is not having a plan at all. This is where an expert can give sound advice on how to navigate retirement.

Business owners can visit www.ssa.gov/prepare/plan-retirement to determine eligibility for retirement benefits as well as get a benefit estimate. Our publication, If you are self-employed, at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10022.pdf, provides important information about Social Security taxes for business owners as well as how to report earnings.

Frequently asked questions

Question: I usually get my benefit payment on the third of the month. But what if the third falls on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday? Will my payment be late?

Answer: Just the opposite. Your payment should arrive early. For example, if you usually get your payment on the third of a month, but it falls on a weekend or legal holiday, we will send payments on the business day prior to the due date. You can find the payment schedules at www.ssa.gov/pubs/calendar.htm.

Any time you don't receive a payment, be sure to wait three days before calling to report it missing. To ensure that your payments go to the right place, create a personal my Social Security account. There, you can verify and manage your benefits without calling or visiting an office. Please visit www.ssa.gov/myaccount to create your account.

Question: How can I get a copy of my Social Security Statement?

Answer: You can get your personal Social Security Statement online by using your personal my Social Security account. If you don't yet have an account, you can easily create one.

Your online statement gives you secure and convenient access to your earnings records. It also shows estimates for retirement, disability, and survivors benefits you and your family may be eligible for.

To set up or use your account to get your online Social Security Statement, go to www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

We also mail statement to workers age 60 and over who aren't receiving Social Security benefits and do not yet have a my Social Security account. We mail the statement three months prior to your birthday.

Question: I served in the military, and I'll receive a military pension when I retire. Will that affect my Social Security benefits?

Answer: You can get both Social Security retirement benefits and military retirement at the same time. Generally, we don't reduce your Social Security benefits because of your military benefits.

When you're ready to apply for Social Security retirement benefits, go to www.ssa.gov/applyonline. This is the fastest and easiest way to apply. For your convenience, you can always save your progress during your application and complete it later.

Question: How are my retirement benefits calculated?

Answer: Your Social Security benefits are based on earnings averaged over your lifetime. Your actual earnings are first adjusted or "indexed" to account for changes in average wages since the year the earnings were received. Then we calculate your average monthly indexed earnings during the 35 years in which you earned the most. We apply a formula to these earnings and arrive at your basic benefit. This is the amount you would receive at your full retirement age.

You may be able to estimate your benefit by using our Retirement Estimator, which offers estimates based on your Social Security earnings. You can find the Retirement Estimator at www.ssa.gov/estimator.