Retired Workers

The most common group that receives Social Security benefits are retired workers. If you have worked and paid Social Security taxes during your career, you can qualify for retirement benefits once you reach the eligible age.

• Eligibility: To qualify for retirement benefits, you need to have earned 40 Social Security credits throughout your working life. These credits are earned by working and paying taxes into the Social Security system.
• Full Retirement Age: The age at which you can begin receiving your full Social Security benefits depends on the year you were born. For those born between 1943 and 1954, the full retirement age is 66. For those born in 1960 or later, the full retirement age is 67.
• Early Retirement: You can choose to start receiving benefits as early as 62, but your monthly payments will be reduced.

Disabled Workers

Individuals who become disabled and are no longer able to work may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). To be eligible for SSDI benefits, you need to meet the following criteria:

• Work History: You must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain number of years (based on your age) to qualify for SSDI.
• Disability: You must have a severe disability that prevents you from performing substantial work. The disability must last at least 12 months or be expected to result in death.
• Medical Evidence: You must provide medical records and documentation from your doctor to prove your condition meets the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability.

Spouses and Ex-Spouses

Spouses and ex-spouses of people who are receiving Social Security benefits may also be eligible for benefits.

• Spouses: If you are married to someone who qualifies for retirement or disability benefits, you can receive up to 50% of their monthly benefit amount (if you are at full retirement age). This applies even if you have never worked.
• Ex-Spouses: If you were married to someone for at least 10 years and are divorced, you may still be eligible for benefits based on their Social Security record, provided that they are eligible for benefits and you meet other requirements.

Survivors (Widows, Widowers, and Dependent Children)

Survivor benefits are paid to family members of a deceased worker who was eligible for Social Security. The following individuals may be entitled to survivor benefits:

• Widows/Widowers: If your spouse passes away, you may be eligible for survivor benefits. The age at which you can start receiving benefits depends on your age and the circumstances of the death.
• Full Benefits: You can start receiving full survivor benefits at your full retirement age.
• Early Benefits: If you start receiving survivor benefits before your full retirement age, the benefit amount will be reduced.
• Dependent Children: If you are the child of a deceased worker, you may qualify for survivor benefits if you are under the age of 18 (or up to age 19 if still in high school). Children who are disabled before the age of 22 can also qualify for survivor benefits.
• Dependent Parents: In some cases, a dependent parent of a deceased worker may be eligible for Social Security benefits if they were financially dependent on the deceased worker.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Recipients

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a need-based program that provides assistance to individuals who are elderly, blind, or disabled, and have limited income and resources. SSI is different from Social Security benefits, as it is designed for people who have not worked enough to qualify for SSDI.

• Eligibility: SSI is available to U.S. citizens and certain noncitizens who have limited income and resources.
• Benefits: The benefit amount for SSI varies depending on your living situation, income, and the state you live in. SSI benefits can help cover basic needs, including food, clothing, and shelter.

Children of Social Security Beneficiaries

In some cases, children of Social Security beneficiaries may qualify for Social Security benefits.

• Dependent Children: If a parent is receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits, their dependent children (under age 18 or up to 19 if still in high school) can qualify for benefits based on the parent's work record. In some cases, adult children with disabilities may also qualify.
• Adopted and Stepchildren: Adopted children and stepchildren may also be eligible for Social Security benefits if they are dependent on the biological parent or stepparent.

Workers with Low Income or No Work History

For individuals who haven’t worked long enough to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or retirement benefits, there’s an option for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI benefits provide monthly payments to individuals who are elderly, disabled, or blind, and have limited income and resources.

• SSI for Disabled Adults: Even if you haven't worked or don't have enough work history, you can still apply for SSI benefits if you are disabled, blind, or over age 65, and you meet the financial criteria.

How the SSA Decides Who Gets Benefits

The Social Security Administration (SSA) makes the final decision on eligibility and the amount of benefits an individual will receive. The decision is based on several factors:

• Work History: For SSDI benefits, the SSA looks at your work history and how many Social Security credits you’ve earned.
• Medical Evidence: For SSDI and SSI Disability, the SSA requires medical documentation that proves your disability.
• Income and Resources: For SSI benefits, the SSA assesses your income and assets to determine if you qualify.