DEFINITION: The special minimum benefit is a special minimum primary insurance amount (PIA) enacted in1972 to provide adequate benefits to long-term low earners. The first full special minimum PIA in1973 was $170 per month. Beginning in1979, its value has increased with price growth and is$886 per month in2020. a
a. Social Security Administration, Annual Statistical Supplement,2020, Table2.A12b.
b. Of the32,100, approximately 17,500 are retired female workers and 11,000 are retired male workers. For a full breakdown of the remaining beneficiaries, see Social Security Administration, Annual Statistical Supplement,2020, Table5.A8.
c. To qualify for the full special minimum PIA, a person must have 30years of coverage (YOC). A person with 11to 29YOCs can qualify for a prorated specialminimum.
