The Social Security Administration runs the program

Social Security is run by the Social Security Administration (SSA), a federal agency that operates independently from other parts of the government. The SSA is responsible for collecting payroll taxes, keeping track of your earnings record, processing claims, and paying benefits to millions of people each month.

The SSA has a commissioner who reports to the President, and the agency operates regional offices, field offices, and processing centers across the country. When you file for benefits, deal with a question about your account, or need a replacement Social Security card, you are working with the SSA — not the Department of Labor, not the IRS, and not your state government, though your state may help administer certain programs that work alongside Social Security.

Key Takeaways

  • The Social Security Administration (SSA) is the federal agency that collects taxes, maintains your earnings record, and pays Social Security benefits.
  • You can reach the SSA by phone at 1-800-772-1213, in person at a local field office, or online through ssa.gov to check your account or file for benefits.
  • The SSA maintains your Social Security Statement, which shows your earnings history and estimates what you will receive at different ages.
  • Your state government does not run Social Security, though some states administer programs that supplement Social Security for certain groups.
  • The SSA processes three main types of benefits: retirement, disability (SSDI), and survivor benefits for families of deceased workers.

How the SSA collects and tracks your earnings

Every time you work and earn a paycheck, your employer sends a portion of your wages to the SSA as a Social Security tax — 6.2 percent of your earnings up to a yearly cap. The SSA records this amount under your Social Security number and adds it to your lifetime earnings record. This record is what the agency uses to calculate how much you will receive in benefits later.

You can see your own earnings record by creating an account on ssa.gov and viewing your Social Security Statement. The statement shows what you have earned each year, estimates what you might receive at age 62, at your full retirement age, and at age 70, and lists any benefits you are currently receiving. If you spot an error — a year where you earned money but it was not recorded, or earnings credited to the wrong year — you can contact the SSA to correct it, though you generally have only three years, three months, and 15 days from the end of the year in which the error occurred.

The three types of benefits the SSA pays

Retirement benefits are monthly payments to workers who have paid into Social Security for at least 10 years and have reached a certain age. You can claim as early as age 62, but the amount you receive will be lower than if you wait until your full retirement age (which ranges from 66 to 67 depending on your birth year) or until age 70, when the payment is highest.

Disability benefits (SSDI) go to workers who have a medical condition that prevents them from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. You do not have to be a certain age to receive SSDI — the SSA evaluates whether your condition meets their definition of disability. Family members of a disabled worker may also receive benefits based on that worker's record.

Survivor benefits are paid to the family members of a worker who has died. A surviving spouse, children under 19 (or 19 if still in high school), and dependent parents may all receive monthly payments based on the deceased worker's earnings record. The SSA processes these claims through local field offices.

Where to contact the SSA and what they can help with

The main phone number for the SSA is 1-800-772-1213, available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time. You can use this number to ask questions about your account, report a change in your situation, request a replacement Social Security card, or discuss filing for benefits. Wait times are often shorter early in the morning or later in the week.

You can also visit a local SSA field office in person. To find the office nearest you, go to ssa.gov, click "Locations," and enter your zip code. Many offices now require you to make an appointment before visiting, which you can do online or by phone. For questions that do not require a conversation, you can create an account on ssa.gov and message the SSA directly through your account.

The SSA website (ssa.gov) has tools to check your earnings record, estimate your future benefits, report a change of address, and file for benefits online. You can also order a replacement Social Security card through the website in most states without visiting an office.

What the SSA does not do

The SSA does not manage Medicare, though Medicare may be able to access is tied to Social Security in some cases. Medicare is run by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), a different federal agency. If you have questions about Medicare coverage, premiums, or enrollment, you will need to contact CMS or Medicare directly, not the SSA.

The SSA also does not run Supplemental Security Income (SSI), though the agency does administer it. SSI is a needs-based program for people with low income and limited resources who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled. While the SSA processes SSI claims and payments, the program is funded by general tax revenue, not Social Security taxes, and has different rules than Social Security itself.

How state governments work with the SSA

Social Security is a federal program, so the SSA sets the rules and pays the benefits nationwide. However, some states run programs that work alongside Social Security. For example, some states offer Supplemental Security Income (SSI) state supplements, which add a small amount to the federal SSI payment for certain people. A few states also have their own disability programs that operate separately from SSDI.

When you file for Social Security benefits, you file with the SSA, not your state. Your state government does not determine whether you receive benefits or how much you get. If you live in a state that offers a supplement or additional program, the SSA or your state's social services agency will let you know if you may be may have access to to it.

Understanding your Social Security Statement

Your Social Security Statement is a record of your earnings history and an estimate of your future benefits. You can view it anytime by logging into your account on ssa.gov. The statement shows your earnings for each year you worked, the total amount you and your employers have paid in Social Security taxes, and what you might receive in retirement, disability, or survivor benefits.

The estimates on your statement assume you will continue to work and earn at your current level until you claim benefits. If your earnings change significantly, or if you stop working, your actual benefit amount may be different. The statement also shows any benefits you are currently receiving and the date you became may have access to to them. Review your statement every few years to make sure the earnings record is correct, especially if you are self-employed or have worked under different names.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file for Social Security benefits online?

Yes. You can file for retirement benefits, disability (SSDI), or survivor benefits through ssa.gov by creating an account and using the online process. You can also file by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or in person at a local field office. Online filing is often faster and you can save your progress and come back to it later.

How long does it take the SSA to process a claim?

Processing time varies depending on the type of benefit and how complete your process is. Retirement benefit claims typically take two to three weeks if you file online and have all required documents. Disability claims take much longer — usually three to six months for an initial decision, and longer if you need to appeal. The SSA will contact you if they need more information.

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

You have the right to appeal any decision the SSA makes about your claim. The appeal process has several stages: reconsideration, a hearing before an administrative law judge, and further appeals if needed. You must request reconsideration within 60 days of receiving the SSA's decision. You can represent yourself or hire a lawyer to help with your appeal.

Do I need to report changes to the SSA?

Yes. If your address changes, you get married or divorced, your income changes significantly, or you return to work after claiming benefits, you should report it to the SSA. You can report changes online through your account, by phone, or in person at a field office. Some changes affect your benefits, and reporting them promptly prevents overpayments that you would have to repay later.

Is Social Security the same as welfare or food stamps?

No. Social Security is funded by payroll taxes you and your employer pay during your working years. Welfare and food stamps (SNAP) are needs-based programs funded by general tax revenue and available only to people with low income and limited resources. You can receive Social Security and other benefits at the same time, but they are separate programs run by different agencies.