The main Social Security services are retirement benefits, disability payments, and survivor benefits for family members of workers who have died

Social Security is a federal insurance program run by the Social Security Administration (SSA). It pays monthly benefits to workers who have reached retirement age, to people who cannot work because of a disability, and to the spouses, children, and parents of workers who have died. The amount you receive depends on your work history and when you start taking benefits. You do not have to be retired to receive Social Security — you can work and collect benefits at the same time, though your benefits may be reduced if you are under full retirement age.

Each service has different rules about who can receive it, how much you get, and when payments start. Understanding which service applies to your situation helps you know what to expect and when to contact the SSA.

Key Takeaways

  • Retirement benefits begin at age 62, but waiting until age 70 increases your monthly payment by about 24 to 32 percent depending on your birth year.
  • Disability benefits are available to workers under full retirement age who cannot work due to a medical condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
  • Survivor benefits pay the spouse, children, and parents of a deceased worker without requiring them to have worked themselves.
  • You can check your earnings record and estimated benefits by creating an account at ssa.gov, which also shows how much you have paid into Social Security.
  • The SSA processes most requests through its website, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office.

Retirement benefits and when you can start receiving them

Retirement benefits are monthly payments to workers who have paid into Social Security for at least 10 years (40 work credits). You can start receiving benefits as early as age 62, but your monthly payment will be permanently lower than if you wait. The amount increases the longer you wait, reaching its maximum at age 70.

Your full retirement age — the age at which you receive your full benefit amount — depends on your birth year. For people born in 1943 or later, full retirement age ranges from 66 to 67. If you start benefits before full retirement age and you are still working, the SSA reduces your payment by $1 for every $2 you earn above an annual limit (the limit changes each year). Once you reach full retirement age, there is no reduction no matter how much you earn.

You can view your estimated retirement benefit amount by logging into your Social Security account at ssa.gov. The estimate assumes you continue working until your full retirement age and shows how much less you would receive if you started at 62 or how much more if you delayed until 70.

Disability benefits for workers who cannot work

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays monthly benefits to workers under full retirement age who have a medical condition that prevents them from working. The condition must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. You must also have worked long enough and recently enough to have earned enough work credits — the exact number depends on your age when you become disabled.

The SSA does not consider a condition disabling simply because you have been diagnosed with it. The agency evaluates whether your condition prevents you from doing any substantial work, not just your previous job. The process typically takes three to six months, and many people are denied on their first request. You can request reconsideration or file an appeal if you are denied.

Family members of a disabled worker may also receive benefits based on that worker's earnings record. A spouse age 62 or older, a spouse of any age caring for a child under 16, and unmarried children under 19 (or up to 22 if in school full-time) can all receive payments.

Survivor benefits for family members after a worker dies

When a worker who has paid into Social Security dies, the SSA pays monthly benefits to certain family members. These payments go to the widow or widower age 60 or older (or age 50 or older if disabled), to a widow or widower of any age caring for a child under 16, to unmarried children under 19 (or up to 22 if in school full-time), and to parents age 62 or older who depended on the worker for support.

The family does not have to have worked to receive survivor benefits. The total amount paid to all family members combined is limited to 150 to 180 percent of what the deceased worker would have received, so individual payments may be reduced if many family members are receiving benefits.

The SSA also pays a one-time lump-sum death benefit of $255 to the surviving spouse or, if there is no spouse, to a child who was receiving benefits.

How to create a Social Security account and check your information

You can create a free account at ssa.gov to view your earnings record, check your estimated benefits, and manage your Social Security. The account requires your Social Security number, email address, and a password. The SSA may ask you to verify your identity by answering questions about your credit history or by uploading a photo of your ID.

Your earnings record shows how much you have paid into Social Security each year. It is important to review it for errors, because mistakes can lower your benefits. If you find an error, you can report it through your account or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Your estimated benefit statement shows what you might receive at different ages — 62, full retirement age, and 70. The estimate assumes you continue working at your current earnings level until the age shown. If you plan to retire earlier or later, or if your income will change significantly, the estimate may not match your actual benefit.

Contacting Social Security and what to bring

You can reach the SSA by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). Phone lines are busiest early in the week and early in the month. You can also visit a local Social Security office in person — find the nearest one at ssa.gov/locator.

If you are applying for benefits or reporting a change, bring documents that prove your identity, age, and citizenship or immigration status. For retirement or disability benefits, bring your Social Security card or a record of your number, a birth certificate, and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency. If you are applying for survivor benefits, bring the death certificate of the worker and proof of your relationship to them.

You can also request a replacement Social Security card, report a change of address, or update your direct deposit information through your online account without visiting an office.

How benefits are paid and tax considerations

Social Security benefits are paid monthly, usually by direct deposit to your bank account. You can also request a check by mail, though direct deposit is faster and more secure. Payments are made on a schedule based on your birth date — the SSA website shows the payment schedule for each month.

Social Security benefits may be subject to federal income tax depending on your total income. If your combined income (adjusted gross income plus nontaxable interest plus half your Social Security benefits) exceeds certain thresholds, up to 50 or 85 percent of your benefits may be taxable. State taxes vary — some states do not tax Social Security benefits at all, while others tax them under the same rules as the federal government.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while receiving Social Security retirement benefits?

Yes, but if you are under full retirement age and earn more than the annual limit, your benefits are reduced by $1 for every $2 you earn above that amount. Once you reach full retirement age, you can earn any amount without a reduction. The annual earnings limit changes each year.

What happens if I was denied disability benefits?

You can request reconsideration within 60 days of the denial letter. If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. Many people are approved at the hearing stage. You can represent yourself or hire a lawyer, and you have the right to see all evidence the SSA used to make its decision.

How do I report a change in my income or living situation?

You can report changes through your online Social Security account, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local office. Report changes as soon as they happen — delaying can result in overpayments that you may have to repay. Changes that matter include earning more than the annual limit, moving, or a change in your marital status.

Can I receive benefits from more than one Social Security worker?

Yes. If you are may be able to access for benefits based on your own work record and also as a spouse or survivor of another worker, the SSA calculates both amounts. You receive your own benefit plus a portion of the other benefit, up to your full family benefit limit. The rules are complex, so ask the SSA to explain how multiple benefits would be calculated in your situation.

What if I disagree with the SSA's decision about my benefits?

You have the right to appeal any decision. You can request reconsideration, then a hearing before an administrative law judge, then review by the Appeals Council, and finally federal court. Each stage has a deadline — usually 60 days from the decision letter. You do not need a lawyer to appeal, but many people find one helpful, especially at the hearing stage.