SOCIAL SECURITY
Understand Your Benefits.
Plan With Confidence.
Clear guidance to help you understand retirement income, eligibility, applications, and the choices that may affect your future.
SOCIAL SECURITY
Clear guidance to help you understand retirement income, eligibility, applications, and the choices that may affect your future.
Programs, eligibility, and application steps vary by country.
Understand who qualifies and how your work history
may count.
Explore timing choices and how they may affect your monthly benefit.
Step-by-step guidance
to help you apply
with confidence.
Learn about benefits
available for your
loved ones.
Monthly payments to help replace income after you stop working.
Benefits for people who cannot work due to a qualifying disability.
Financial support for eligible family members when a loved one passes away.
PLAN AHEAD
The age you choose to start can affect your monthly income and long-term planning. Explore your options to make the choice that’s right for you.
Early
Lower monthly amounts
Standard
Your full monthly benefit
Later
Higher monthly amounts
Review basic requirements and make sure you may qualify.
Collect the documents and records you’ll need to apply.
Apply online, by phone, or in person.
Monitor your application and respond to any requests.
✓ Identification
✓ Work and contribution history
✓ Banking information
✓ Marriage or family records
PROTECT YOURSELF
Government agencies will not pressure you to pay immediately or share sensitive information unexpectedly.
Yes. In many cases, you can work while receiving Social Security benefits. However, if you have not yet reached full retirement age, your earnings may affect the amount of your benefits. Once you reach full retirement age, your earnings generally do not reduce your Social Security retirement benefits.
You can generally start receiving Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, starting benefits before your full retirement age usually means receiving a lower monthly payment. Waiting longer may increase your monthly benefit, up to age 70. Consider your income needs, health, work plans, and long-term financial goals when choosing when to apply.
Your spouse may be eligible for Social Security benefits based on your work record, depending on factors such as your spouse’s age, marital status, and eligibility. In some situations, a spouse may receive benefits even if they have never worked or have a limited work history.
You can update certain personal information through your Social Security account or by contacting the Social Security Administration. Depending on the type of information you need to change, you may need to provide identification or supporting documents. Keep your contact, banking, and other important information up to date to help avoid delays.
Receive clear guidance, program updates, and reminders for seniors.
Get helpful senior care updates, community news, and new TapSenior articles delivered directly to your inbox.