Harrison Ford’s Social Security Check vs. the Average American’s
Written by
Nicholas Morine
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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One of Hollywood’s most prominent leading men during the lengthy heights of his career — and still a notable celebrity known to most film buffs worldwide — Harrison Ford continues to play his part, although he recently hinted that retirement may be near, according to New York Post.
But how have his substantial lifetime earnings affected his Social Security payments?
Although details tied to one’s Social Security check are innately private, educated guesswork can take place. In this case, given that the 82-year-old actor has likely been receiving benefits at least since he hit 70, a few assumptions can be made against this premise.
‘Star Wars’ Star Harrison Ford and Social Security Check Guesstimates
While Ford hit it big on the silver screen at a relatively mature age, being 35 when “Star Wars: A New Hope” was released in 1977, it can be reasonably assumed that his income was more modest prior to that point.
However, making the second reach that Ford would have delayed receiving his Social Security benefit payments until the age of 70 (the last year it would be prudent to delay the process), his income history prior to his debut as the cynical-yet-lovable scoundrel Han Solo is immaterial; the Social Security Administration (SSA) only uses the top 35 earning years when calculating paid taxable contributions and, thus, disbursements during retirement.
The Average Social Security Check for a Retired American Worker?
The SSA notes that the average Social Security retirement benefit comes in at $2,071 per month, and it’s almost certain (though, again, nobody is privy to Ford’s personal tax and retirement benefits situation) that Ford’s is significantly higher.
Should his benefits have kicked off at age 70 (in 2012), the star of “The Fugitive” would today be taking home a monthly Social Security check of approximately $4,640. This is calculated by looking at the maximum benefit achievable in 2012 ($3,266) and then applying cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) to reach today’s equivalent.
Either way, it’s almost certain that Harrison Ford’s royalties or residuals — in addition to his current contracts for acting gigs — dwarf his Social Security benefit checks.
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