After reading all of this - can I just say....thank God I won't be dealing with social security!
How you might wonder. I work for a university (a "government" agency) and we do not pay into SS. I did not and never will have enough quarters in to have worry about it.
I am planning on retiring in 10 years (at age 52). That will give me 30 years with them. I will be at max retirement earning benefits so will not give them one more day than necessary. If I have to supplement my income it will be with a part time job, but am hoping that won't be necessary.