What is an individual's AIME not based on?

The Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME) is a critical component used to determine an individual's Social Security benefits. It is calculated based on an individual's earnings over their working lifetime, specifically focusing on the highest 35 years of indexed earnings.

The AIME is specifically designed to reflect an individual's income history adjusted for inflation, ensuring that it represents a consistent measure over time. Thus, while real-time earnings could represent what an individual earns at the current moment or during any specific recent period, AIME does not utilize this fluctuating figure. Instead, it relies on the averages of past earnings, indexed for growth to maintain their value relative to the overall economy.

Consequently, real-time earnings do not factor into the calculation of AIME, making this the correct choice. The other options pertain more closely to the components or aspects accounted for when calculating AIME, such as indexed earnings, the highest 35 years of earnings, and even the average monthly earnings, all of which play a role in determining the eventual benefit amounts.