The actual take-home value of your Social Security benefits can vary greatly depending your age, work history and tax situation. Here are answers to some of the most common Social Security questions. For additional information on Social Security benefits, see 2019 Social Security & Medicare Facts. Michael D. Thomas is an author and consultant and previously served as the Manager of Online Product Development and as a Senior Editor with the National Underwriter Company, a division of ALM Media. In addition, Mike serves as a consultant to the State of Ohio, Department of Medicaid and as a writer for "The Digital Broker Podcast," which focuses on insurance technology and operations. Mike authors the following National Underwriter titles: 2019 Social Security & Medicare Facts, 2019 Social Security Planner, 2019 Medicare Planner, and 2019 Healthcare Reform Facts. Mike has also authored numerous articles on health care reform, Social Security, Medicare, and Insurance issues. READ MORE: Why Social Security's 2019 COLA will be 2.8 percent Alicia Munnell: The Social Security fix nobody wants Ward off clients' retirement crisis with Social Security talk