The main types of Social Security payments

Social Security pays four main types of benefits, and which one you receive depends on your work history and your situation. Retirement benefits go to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes, usually starting at age 62 or later. Disability benefits (called SSDI) go 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 go to the spouse, children, or parents of a worker who has died. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a separate program for people 65 and older, blind, or disabled, with limited income and resources — it is not based on work history.

Each program has different rules about who can receive it, how much you get, and when payments start. The amount you receive is based on your earnings record, your age, or your family situation, depending on which benefit type applies to you. Understanding which program fits your situation helps you know what to expect and when to contact the Social Security Administration.

Key Takeaways

  • Retirement benefits begin as early as age 62, but waiting until your full retirement age (66 to 67, depending on birth year) or age 70 results in a higher monthly payment.
  • Disability benefits (SSDI) require a medical condition that prevents work for at least 12 months, and you must have a recent work history to be considered.
  • Survivor benefits pay your spouse, children, or parents based on your earnings record if you die, even if you have not yet started receiving retirement benefits yourself.
  • SSI is a needs-based program separate from Social Security retirement and disability, designed for people 65 and older or those who are blind or disabled with very limited income.
  • The Social Security Administration processes all applications and maintains your earnings record, which determines your benefit amount.

How retirement benefits are calculated

Your retirement benefit amount is based on your highest 35 years of earnings and the age at which you start receiving payments. The Social Security Administration calculates a Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), which is your benefit at your full retirement age. Your full retirement age depends on your birth year: it ranges from 65 to 67. If you were born in 1943 to 1954, your full retirement age is 66; if you were born in 1960 or later, it is 67.

If you start benefits before your full retirement age, your monthly payment is reduced. Starting at 62 results in the largest reduction — roughly 25 to 30 percent less per month than you would receive at full retirement age. If you delay past your full retirement age, your benefit increases by about 8 percent per year until age 70. This means waiting from 62 to 70 can nearly double your monthly payment, though you receive fewer total payments during those years.

You can view your earnings record and an estimate of your future benefits by creating an account on ssa.gov. The Social Security Administration sends a statement each year showing your work history and projected benefit amounts at different ages.

Disability benefits and how to report a condition

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays workers who cannot work because of a medical condition. The condition must be severe enough to prevent substantial work activity and must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. You do not have to be completely unable to work — the standard is whether you can do any kind of work that exists in the national economy, considering your age, education, and work experience.

To receive SSDI, you must have worked recently and paid Social Security taxes. The exact work history required depends on your age: younger workers need fewer credits, while workers 31 and older typically need 20 credits earned in the 10 years before they became disabled. One credit is earned for each quarter of the year you earn a certain amount (the amount changes yearly).

You report a disability by contacting your local Social Security office, calling 1-800-772-1213, or starting the process on ssa.gov. You will need medical records documenting your condition, a list of medications, and names of doctors who have treated you. The review process typically takes three to six months, though some cases take longer.

Survivor benefits for family members

If you die, Social Security pays benefits to your spouse, children, and in some cases your parents, based on your earnings record. Your spouse can receive benefits at full retirement age or as early as age 60 (age 50 if caring for a child under 16). Your unmarried children under 19 (or 19 if still in high school) receive benefits, and your disabled adult children may receive benefits if the disability began before age 22.

A surviving spouse caring for your child under 16 can receive benefits at any age. Your parents may receive benefits if you were supporting them at the time of your death and they are at least 62 years old. The total amount paid to your family cannot exceed 150 to 180 percent of what you would have received at your full retirement age.

Your family does not need to have worked to receive survivor benefits — they are paid based on your work record. If you die before reaching retirement age, your family may still be may have access to to these payments. The Social Security Administration notifies known family members when a worker dies, but you can also contact them to report a death and ask about survivor benefits.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for low-income individuals

SSI is a needs-based program separate from Social Security retirement and disability benefits. It pays people 65 and older, people who are blind, or people who are disabled and have very limited income and resources. Unlike SSDI, SSI does not require a work history — it is based on financial need.

To receive SSI, your income must be below a certain limit (the limit varies by state and household size) and your resources — such as cash, bank accounts, and property — must be under $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. Your home and one vehicle are not counted as resources. Some income is not counted, including the first $65 of monthly earnings and half of earnings above that amount.

SSI payments are made by the Social Security Administration, and in most states the program also covers Medicaid. You can start the process by contacting your local Social Security office or calling 1-800-772-1213. The Social Security Administration will review your income, resources, and medical condition if disability is involved.

How to check your earnings record and benefit estimate

Your Social Security benefit is based on your earnings record — the wages you earned each year while paying Social Security taxes. You can view this record and see an estimate of your future benefits by creating a my Social Security account on ssa.gov. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity, such as a driver's license or passport.

Once you log in, you can see your complete earnings history, verify that your employer reported your wages correctly, and view benefit estimates at different ages. If you spot an error — such as missing wages or wages credited to the wrong year — you can report it to the Social Security Administration. Errors must usually be reported within three years, three months, and 15 days of the year the wages were earned.

If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, you can call 1-800-772-1213 to request a paper statement or to ask questions about your record. The Social Security Administration also has local offices where you can meet with a representative in person.

When and how payments are made

Social Security payments are made by direct deposit to your bank account on a set schedule each month. The payment date depends on your birth date: people born on the 1st through the 10th receive payments on the second Wednesday of the month, those born on the 11th through the 20th receive them on the third Wednesday, and those born on the 21st through the 31st receive them on the fourth Wednesday. If a payment date falls on a holiday, the payment is made the day before.

You must set up direct deposit to receive your benefits. When you start receiving benefits, the Social Security Administration will ask for your bank account information. If you do not have a bank account, you can receive payments on a prepaid debit card issued by the Social Security Administration, though direct deposit to a bank account is preferred because it is more find.

Your benefit amount may change if your earnings increase, if you reach a milestone age (such as full retirement age), or if you report a change in your situation. The Social Security Administration sends a notice each year showing your current benefit amount and any changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive Social Security benefits while still working?

Yes, but if you are under full retirement age and earn above a certain amount (the limit changes yearly), your benefits will be reduced by $1 for every $2 you earn above the limit. Once you reach full retirement age, there is no earnings limit and your benefits do not reduce, no matter how much you earn.

What happens if I was married more than once?

You can receive benefits based on an ex-spouse's record if you were married at least 10 years, are at least 62 years old, and are not currently married. Your benefit based on an ex-spouse's record does not reduce their benefits or their current spouse's benefits.

How do I report a change in my situation?

You can report changes such as a change of address, a new job, or a marriage through your my Social Security account on ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office. Some changes affect your benefit amount or your continued may be able to access, so report them as soon as they happen.

What if I disagree with a decision the Social Security Administration made?

You have the right to appeal any decision. You can request reconsideration within 60 days of receiving a notice of decision. If you disagree with the reconsideration, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. The Social Security Administration sends information about how to appeal with every decision notice.

Can I receive both Social Security and SSI at the same time?

Yes, if your Social Security benefit is very small, you may receive both. SSI tops up your income to a minimum level set by your state. The Social Security Administration handles both programs and can tell you whether you might be may have access to to both.