What Social Security is and who runs it

Social Security is a federal insurance program run by the Social Security Administration (SSA), a government agency. It pays monthly cash to people who are retired, disabled, or survivors of workers who have died. The program is funded through payroll taxes — both workers and employers contribute a percentage of wages, and self-employed people pay both portions.

Social Security is not means-tested, meaning your income or assets do not automatically disqualify you. However, the amount you receive depends on your work history and when you start taking payments. The program operates the same way nationwide, though some states tax Social Security income and others do not.

To receive Social Security, you must have a Social Security number and a work history in jobs covered by the program. Most jobs in the United States are covered, but some government positions and certain railroad jobs have their own pension systems instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Social Security has three main programs: retirement benefits for workers age 62 and older, disability benefits (SSDI) for workers who cannot work due to a medical condition, and survivor benefits for family members of deceased workers.
  • Your benefit amount is based on your highest 35 years of earnings, so working longer and earning more increases your monthly payment.
  • You can start receiving retirement benefits at age 62, but your monthly payment will be permanently lower than if you wait until your full retirement age (which ranges from 66 to 67 depending on birth year).
  • You must contact the Social Security Administration directly to start the process — you cannot receive benefits without taking action to request them.
  • The SSA maintains a record of your earnings history, and you can view it online or request a paper copy to check for errors before you apply.

Retirement benefits and when you can start

Social Security retirement benefits are available to workers age 62 and older. The earliest age you can claim is 62, but your monthly payment will be reduced if you claim before your full retirement age. Full retirement age depends on your birth year: it is 66 for people born between 1943 and 1954, and gradually increases to 67 for people born in 1960 or later.

If you wait to claim after your full retirement age, your benefit increases by about 8 percent per year until age 70. This means someone born in 1960 who waits from age 67 to age 70 receives roughly 24 percent more per month than they would at full retirement age. The trade-off is that you receive fewer total payments over your lifetime if you die early, but more per month if you live into your 80s or beyond.

Your benefit amount is calculated using your 35 highest-earning years. If you worked fewer than 35 years, zeros are counted for the missing years, which lowers your benefit. Working additional years can replace lower-earning years in the calculation and increase your payment.

Disability benefits (SSDI) and how they differ from retirement

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays workers under full retirement age who have a medical condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, and who cannot work. Unlike retirement benefits, there is no minimum age — a worker of any age can receive SSDI if the medical condition meets SSA standards.

To receive SSDI, you must have worked recently enough and long enough to have earned sufficient work credits. The number of credits required depends on your age when you become disabled, but generally younger workers need fewer credits. You must also provide medical evidence that your condition prevents you from doing substantial work — the SSA has a list of conditions that automatically may have access to, but you can also show that your specific condition prevents work.

SSDI is not the same as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is a separate needs-based program for people with low income and few assets. Some people receive both, but they are administered differently and have different rules. The SSA website and local field offices can help you understand which program you may be looking at.

Survivor benefits for family members

When a worker covered by Social Security dies, their family members may receive monthly payments. Survivor benefits go to the worker's spouse (at any age if caring for a child under 16, or at age 60 or older), children under 19 (or 19 if still in high school), and dependent parents age 62 or older. A surviving spouse can also receive a one-time payment of $255.

The total amount paid to all family members is limited to a family maximum, which is typically 150 to 180 percent of what the deceased worker would have received. If multiple family members are receiving benefits, each person's share may be reduced so the total does not exceed the maximum.

To claim survivor benefits, family members must contact the SSA with a death certificate and proof of their relationship to the deceased worker. The SSA will determine who is may be able to access and calculate each person's payment based on the worker's earnings record.

How to start the process and what documents you need

You can begin the process by contacting the Social Security Administration in three ways: call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), visit your local SSA field office, or create an account on ssa.gov to request benefits online. The SSA website also has a field office locator if you prefer to apply in person.

When you apply, you will need to provide proof of your identity (a driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of citizenship or legal residency (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), and proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). If you are applying for survivor or spousal benefits, you will also need proof of your relationship to the worker and their death certificate if applicable.

The SSA will review your work history and medical records (if you are applying for disability). Processing times vary, but the SSA typically makes a decision within three to six months for retirement and survivor claims, and longer for disability claims because medical evidence takes time to gather. You can check the status of your application online or by calling the SSA.

Checking your earnings record and correcting errors

The SSA maintains a record of all wages you have earned under your Social Security number. Errors in this record — such as a missing year of work, wages credited to the wrong year, or wages not credited at all — directly reduce your benefit amount. You can view your earnings record for free by creating a my Social Security account on ssa.gov.

If you find an error, you must report it to the SSA as soon as possible. Bring your Social Security card, proof of identity, and documents showing the correct earnings (such as W-2s or tax returns). The SSA has a limited time to correct errors, so do not delay if you spot a discrepancy. Errors from several years ago may be harder to fix, which is why checking your record before you apply is important.

You can also request a paper copy of your earnings record by mail if you do not have internet access. Call 1-800-772-1213 to request one, or visit your local field office.

How much you will receive and factors that affect your payment

Your monthly benefit amount depends on your earnings history, the age you start, and which program you are receiving from. The SSA publishes average benefit amounts each year, but your individual payment is based on your specific work record. As of 2024, the average retirement benefit is around $1,900 per month, but this varies widely — some people receive less than $1,000 and others receive more than $3,000.

If you work while receiving retirement benefits before reaching full retirement age, your benefit is reduced by $1 for every $2 you earn above an annual limit (the limit changes yearly). Once you reach full retirement age, there is no reduction regardless of how much you earn. This rule does not apply to SSDI or survivor benefits.

Your benefit is adjusted each year for inflation using the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). The SSA announces the COLA in October, and the increase takes effect in January. This means your payment grows over time to keep pace with rising prices, though the increase varies year to year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive Social Security if I did not work in the United States?

You must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and earned enough work credits to receive benefits. If you worked outside the United States, those years generally do not count unless you worked for a U.S. employer or the country has a totalization agreement with the United States. Contact the SSA to discuss your specific work history.

What happens to my benefits if I move outside the United States?

You can receive Social Security retirement, disability, and survivor benefits while living in most countries. However, some countries have restrictions, and you must notify the SSA of your move. Contact the SSA before you leave to understand any requirements for your specific situation.

Can I change my mind after I start receiving benefits?

You can withdraw your application within 12 months of starting benefits and repay what you received, which resets your claim. After 12 months, you cannot withdraw, but you can suspend your benefits at full retirement age or later, which allows your payment to grow. The rules are complex, so contact the SSA to discuss your options.

How do I report a change in my circumstances?

You must report changes such as marriage, divorce, return to work, or a change in your medical condition. You can report changes online through my Social Security, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local field office. Failing to report changes can result in overpayment, which you may have to repay.

What if I think the SSA made an error in my benefit calculation?

You can request a detailed explanation of how your benefit was calculated. If you disagree with the decision, you can file an appeal within 60 days. The appeal process has multiple levels, and you can represent yourself or hire a lawyer. Contact the SSA or visit ssa.gov for information on how to appeal.