Take your family for ice cream and you’ll find a variety of flavors. Same with Social Security, most people think of retirement, but that’s like limiting yourself to vanilla. Social Security has a variety of benefits. Know them all online at www.socialsecurity.gov.
Retirement — by far is our most popular flavor. Most people need about 10 years of work (40 credits) to qualify for retirement benefits. You can retire as early as age 62 (generally, benefits are permanently reduced) or wait until full retirement age (currently age 66, but gradually increasing to age 67) for a larger benefit payment. Put off retirement and earn even more. To learn more, read When To Start Receiving Retirement Benefits, available at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.
Disability — if you become disabled and unable to work, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. The number of credits needed depends on how old you are when you become disabled. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability.
Survivors — your family may be eligible for survivor benefits. In most cases, you need to have worked about 10 years for your surviving family members to qualify for survivor benefits. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov/survivorplan.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)— this needs-based program pays benefits to aged, blind, and disabled people with low income and few resources. Find out more at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi.
Variety of benefits, indeed … all online.
Questions, online applications, or to make an appointment to visit a Social Security office, contact:
1-800-772-1213 (toll free) | 1-800-325-0778 (TTY)
www.socialsecurity.gov
