Social Security benefits are part of the retirement plan of almost every American worker. If you’re among the many people covered under Social Security, you should know what your future benefit may be. These monthly payments may be a vital part of your retirement income.

Social Security bases your benefit payment on how much you earned during your working career. Higher lifetime earnings result in higher benefits. If there were some years you didn’t work or had low earnings, your benefit amount may be lower than if you had worked steadily. Even if you have never worked under Social Security, you may be able to get spouse’s retirement benefits if you are at least 62 years old and your spouse receives retirement or disability benefits.

The online retirement portal is a great place to start mapping out your retirement plan. There, they provide important information that you should know. For example, have you considered:

• When you should apply to start retirement benefits?

• What documents you need to provide?

• Which factors may affect your retirement benefits?

• What you should remember to do after you apply for retirement benefits?

You can use your personal my Social Security account to get an instant estimate of your future retirement benefits. You can also see the effects of starting your retirement benefits at different ages.

Benefits for family members may also be important to you. When you start receiving Social Security retirement benefits, members of your family may also qualify to receive benefits on your record. You can learn more on our Benefits page. Please share this information with family and friends to help them prepare for retirement.

Benefit types

Find out which Social Security benefits can help you based on your circumstances.

Retirement

Monthly payments based on your lifetime earnings. To be eligible, you must:

• Be age 62 or older, and

• Have worked and paid Social Security taxes for 10 years or more.

Learn about Retirement benefits

Disability

Monthly payments for people who have:

• A disability or blindness, and

• Enough work history.

Learn about Disability

Survivor

Monthly payments to certain family members of someone who worked and paid Social Security taxes before they died, including:

• Spouses.

• Ex-spouses.

• Children.

• Dependent parents.

Learn about Survivor benefits

Family

Monthly payments to certain family members of someone entitled to Retirement or Disability, including:

• Spouses.

• Ex-spouses.

• Children.

• Some grandchildren.

Learn about Family benefits

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Monthly payments to people who have:

• Little or no income, and

• Little or no resources, and

• A disability, blindness, or are age 65 or older.

Learn about SSI

Medicare

Health insurance for people who:

• Are age 65 or older, or

• Have end-stage renal disease (ESRD), or

• Get Disability benefits.

Plan for Medicare

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The Trusted Social Security Advisors blog is all about making sense out of Social Security benefits. The information we provide is based on our understanding of the rules that govern the Social Security Administration and should not substitute for advice from your own financial, legal, or tax advisors.