A Comprehensive Guide to Social Security Benefits

Last updated 2 months ago. Our resources are updated regularly but please keep in mind that links, programs, policies, and contact information do change.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides financial protection for Americans at different life stages. With nearly nine decades of history, Social Security has been proven to be one of the nation’s most effective anti-poverty programs.

The SSA administers Retirement, Disability, Survivor, and Family benefits. It also manages Supplemental Security Income (SSI), enrolls people in Medicare, and issues Social Security numbers and cards.

This guide covers all major Social Security benefit programs, explaining eligibility requirements, benefit calculations, application processes, and other important topics.

What is Social Security?

Official Definition and Purpose

Social Security is the federal social insurance program designed to provide financial protection for workers and their families. The SSA currently serves approximately 68 million people, including retirees, individuals with disabilities, survivors of deceased workers, and eligible family members.

Social Security operates on a pay-as-you-go basis: taxes paid by today’s workers and employers fund benefits for current recipients. These taxes go into dedicated trust funds—the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) Trust Fund for retirement and survivor benefits, and the Disability Insurance (DI) Trust Fund for disability benefits.

In 2025, about 85 cents of every Social Security tax dollar goes to the OASI trust fund, while about 15 cents goes to the DI trust fund.

Social Security benefits were never intended to be the sole source of income, particularly in retirement. The program replaces a percentage of pre-retirement income, with the replacement rate varying based on lifetime earnings and claiming age. Most financial advisors recommend aiming for 70% to 80% of pre-retirement income for a comfortable retirement, combining Social Security with personal savings, investments, and pensions.

Main Categories of Benefits

The Social Security Administration administers several distinct types of benefits:

• Retirement Benefits: Paid to individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes long enough to qualify, typically starting at age 62 or older.
• Disability Benefits (SSDI): Paid to individuals who cannot work due to a severe medical condition expected to last at least one year or result in death, and who have a qualifying work history.
• Survivor Benefits: Paid to eligible family members (spouses, children, sometimes parents) of a worker who has died.
• Family Benefits: Paid to eligible spouses and children of workers who are receiving Retirement or Disability benefits.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): A needs-based program providing payments to adults and children who are aged (65+), blind, or disabled and have very limited income and resources.

Eligibility for these benefits can arise at various life stages. If you’re uncertain about your potential eligibility, use the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool on the SSA website.

Social Security provides more than just retirement income. It functions as a comprehensive social insurance system offering critical support for disability and death of a family breadwinner, often benefiting people much younger than retirement age.

Social Security Retirement Benefits

Social Security retirement benefits provide monthly income for individuals who have worked and paid into the system over their careers. Eligibility and benefit amounts depend on age, work history, and earnings record.

Eligibility: Age and Work Credits

To qualify for retirement benefits, you must meet two primary criteria: reaching a specific age and earning enough Social Security “work credits.”

Work credits are earned by working in jobs covered by Social Security and paying Social Security taxes. In 2025, you earn one credit for every $1,810 in earnings, up to a maximum of four credits per year. Earning $7,240 in 2025 secures the maximum four credits for that year.

The earnings amount needed per credit typically adjusts annually based on national wage trends. For individuals born in 1929 or later, a total of 40 credits are generally required to qualify for retirement benefits, which equals about 10 years of work.

Credits earned remain on your Social Security record permanently, even if you stop working for a period. For more information on work credits, visit the SSA’s page on credits.

Regarding age, the earliest you can start receiving retirement benefits is age 62. However, starting benefits before reaching “Full Retirement Age” (FRA) results in a permanently reduced monthly payment.

FRA is the age at which you qualify for your full, unreduced retirement benefit, also known as the Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). For many years, FRA was 65. However, due to a law passed by Congress in 1983 recognizing increased life expectancy, the FRA is gradually increasing for individuals born after 1937, eventually reaching age 67 for those born in 1960 and later.

Table 1: Full Retirement Age (FRA) for Retirement Benefits

How Benefits Are Calculated

Social Security retirement benefits are calculated based on your average indexed lifetime earnings from jobs where Social Security taxes were paid. Generally, higher lifetime earnings lead to higher benefit amounts. Years with low or zero earnings will lower the calculated average and, consequently, the benefit amount.

The calculation involves two key steps:

1. Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME): This figure represents your average monthly earnings over your career, adjusted for changes in national wage levels over time. The SSA takes up to 35 years of your highest earnings subject to Social Security taxes. These annual earnings are “indexed” to bring past earnings up to near-current wage levels, reflecting the general rise in the standard of living during your lifetime.Earnings are indexed up to the year you turn 60. The highest 35 years of these indexed earnings are then summed and divided by the total number of months in those 35 years (420 months) to arrive at the AIME. If you have fewer than 35 years of earnings, years with zero earnings are included in the average, which lowers the AIME.

   The resulting average is rounded down to the next lower dollar. More details on AIME and indexing factors are available at the SSA’s AIME explanation page and the indexing factors page.

2. Primary Insurance Amount (PIA): The PIA is the actual benefit amount you receive if you start benefits precisely at your Full Retirement Age (FRA). It is calculated by applying a specific formula to the AIME.This formula uses percentages applied to different portions, or segments, of the AIME, separated by “bend points.” While the percentages remain constant (90%, 32%, and 15%), the bend point dollar amounts are adjusted annually based on changes in the national average wage index.

   For an individual first becoming eligible for retirement benefits (turning 62) in 2025, the PIA formula is:

   • 90% of the first $1,226 of AIME, plus
   • 32% of AIME over $1,226 up to $7,391, plus
   • 15% of AIME over $7,391.

   The final PIA amount is rounded down to the next lower multiple of $0.10. The bend points for 2025 are $1,226 and $7,391. Details on the PIA formula and historical bend points can be found at the SSA’s PIA formula page.

The structure of the PIA formula is intentionally progressive. By applying the highest percentage (90%) to the initial portion of average earnings and lower percentages (32% and 15%) to higher earnings portions, the formula replaces a larger share of pre-retirement income for lower-wage earners compared to high-wage earners.

Because the AIME and PIA are directly derived from your earnings history, the accuracy and completeness of that record are paramount. Missing years or incorrectly reported earnings, especially from high-earning periods, can significantly reduce the calculated benefit amount. The SSA strongly encourages workers to review their earnings record annually for accuracy using the Social Security Statement, accessible through their personal ‘my Social Security’ account online.

Claiming Benefits: Early, Full, and Delayed

The age at which you choose to start receiving retirement benefits has a significant and permanent impact on the monthly payment amount.

Early Retirement (Age 62): Benefits can begin as early as age 62. However, starting benefits before FRA results in a permanent reduction in the monthly amount. The reduction is calculated based on the number of months prior to FRA benefits are claimed.

For the first 36 months before FRA, the reduction is 5/9 of 1% per month (or 6.67% per year). For months exceeding 36, the reduction is an additional 5/12 of 1% per month (or 5% per year). For someone whose FRA is 67, claiming at age 62 (60 months early) results in a 30% permanent reduction from their full PIA.

Table 2: Retirement Benefit Reduction Percentages if Claimed Early (Full Retirement Age 67)

Full Retirement Age (FRA): Claiming benefits starting in the month you reach your FRA results in receiving 100% of your calculated PIA.

Delayed Retirement (After FRA up to Age 70): Choosing to delay the start of retirement benefits beyond FRA results in an increased monthly benefit amount. This increase comes from Delayed Retirement Credits (DRCs) earned for each month benefits are postponed, up until age 70. No additional credits are earned after reaching age 70.

For individuals born in 1943 or later, the DRC rate is 2/3 of 1% per month, which equals an 8% increase per full year of delay. DRCs earned during the calendar year in which benefits begin may not be applied to the payment until the following January.

Table 3: Annual Delayed Retirement Credit (DRC) Percentage by Year of Birth

The decision of when to start retirement benefits is one of the most critical financial choices you’ll make regarding Social Security. It involves a fundamental trade-off: claiming early provides income sooner but results in a smaller monthly payment for life. Delaying benefits means foregoing income initially but securing a significantly larger monthly payment later, which provides greater protection against outliving savings (longevity risk).

This decision is highly personal and depends on factors such as individual health, life expectancy projections, availability of other income sources to bridge the gap if delaying, marital status, and potential impacts on spousal or survivor benefits. The SSA provides various online calculators and planning tools to help individuals model different scenarios and understand the financial implications of their claiming choice.

How to Apply for Retirement Benefits

Timing: It’s advisable to apply for retirement benefits up to four months before your desired start date. Even if you’re delaying retirement benefits, you should sign up for Medicare during the three-month period before your 65th birthday to avoid potential delays in coverage or increased premiums.

Application Methods: There are three primary ways to apply:

1. Online: The SSA promotes this as the most convenient method. Applications can be started, saved, and completed at any time via the SSA retirement application page or the general application page.
2. Phone: Call the SSA’s national toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Representatives are available Monday through Friday, typically 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time.
3. In Person: Visit a local Social Security office. Calling ahead to schedule an appointment is recommended to reduce potential wait times. Find local offices at the SSA office locator.

Information and Documents Needed: When applying, be prepared to provide some or all of the following:

• Social Security number (SSN)
• Original birth certificate or a copy certified by the issuing agency (photocopies or notarized copies are not accepted)
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status (original or certified copy, must be unexpired) if not born in the U.S.
• Copy of U.S. military service papers (e.g., DD-214) if service occurred before 1968
• Copy of W-2 form(s) and/or self-employment tax return for the previous year
• Bank routing number and account number for direct deposit
• Information about current or former spouses (full name, SSN, date of birth, dates/places of marriage, dates of divorce/death)
• Information about unmarried children under 18 (or 18-19 if full-time student, or disabled before 22)
• Month benefits are intended to begin
• Whether enrolling in Medicare Part B (if applying near age 65)

You should not postpone applying just because you lack all the necessary documents. The SSA can often assist in obtaining missing information, sometimes verifying details like birth records directly with state agencies online. Delaying the application could result in losing some benefits. More details on required information can be found at the SSA application form page and the applying for benefits page.

Online Application Steps: The online process generally involves visiting www.ssa.gov, navigating to the retirement application section, agreeing to the terms of service, creating or signing into a personal ‘my Social Security’ account (though application may be possible without an account, requiring later verification), completing the application questions (which can be saved and returned to using a Re-entry Number), electronically signing, and submitting the application. SSA will review the submitted application and contact you if clarification or additional documents are needed.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides benefits to individuals who are unable to work because of a significant medical condition. Unlike retirement benefits, SSDI eligibility is based on both medical severity and work history.

Eligibility: Definition of Disability & Work Requirements

To qualify for SSDI, you must meet the SSA’s strict definition of disability and have a sufficient work history.

Definition of Disability: The SSA defines disability as the inability to engage in any Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment (or combination of impairments) that is expected to result in death or has lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months. This definition pertains to total disability; benefits are not paid for partial or short-term conditions.

A Medically Determinable Impairment must stem from anatomical, physiological, or psychological abnormalities that can be demonstrated through medically acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques. A person’s statement about their symptoms, without supporting objective medical evidence, is not sufficient to establish an impairment.

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) refers to work activity that involves significant physical or mental duties and is performed (or intended to be performed) for pay or profit. The SSA uses earnings guidelines to evaluate SGA. For 2025, earnings averaging more than $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals, or $2,700 per month for individuals who are statutorily blind, generally demonstrate SGA and preclude disability eligibility. The higher SGA threshold for blindness applies only to SSDI, not SSI initial eligibility. SGA information is available at the SSA’s SGA page.

Work Credit Requirements: Because SSDI is an insurance program funded by Social Security taxes, eligibility requires that you have worked long enough and recently enough in covered employment. This is measured using work credits. Two tests must generally be met:

1. Recent Work Test: This test considers work performed in the years leading up to the disability onset and varies by age:
   • Before age 24: Generally need 6 credits earned in the 3-year period ending when disability starts.
   • Age 24 to 31: Generally need credit for working half the time between age 21 and the time disability began (e.g., disability at 27 requires 12 credits, or 3 years of work, between 21 and 27).
   • Age 31 or older: Generally need at least 20 credits earned in the 10-year period immediately before disability began.
2. Duration Work Test: This test considers the total amount of work performed over a lifetime and also depends on the age at disability onset. Individuals who meet the statutory definition of blindness only need to meet the duration work test, not the recent work test.

Table 4: Years of Work Needed for SSDI (Duration Test Example)

The dual nature of SSDI eligibility—requiring both a severe medical condition meeting SSA’s definition and a sufficient, recent work history—is a critical aspect of the program. As an earned insurance benefit, qualification hinges on having “paid in” through Social Security taxes. The medical standard is demanding, focusing on the inability to perform any substantial work, not just one’s previous job. Consequently, some individuals with severe health conditions might not qualify for SSDI if their work history doesn’t meet the specific recent and duration requirements based on their age at disability onset.

Required Medical Evidence

While you are responsible for providing evidence of your disability, the SSA will assist in obtaining medical records from treating sources when given permission. The cornerstone of a disability claim is objective medical evidence from “Acceptable Medical Sources.” These sources include:

• Licensed physicians (medical or osteopathic doctors)
• Licensed psychologists (including certain school psychologists for specific impairments)
• Licensed optometrists (for visual disorders)
• Licensed podiatrists (for foot/ankle impairments)
• Qualified speech-language pathologists (for speech/language impairments)
• Licensed audiologists (for hearing loss, auditory processing disorders, balance disorders within scope of practice)
• Licensed Physician Assistants (PAs) (within scope of practice)
• Certain Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), including Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs), Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), and Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) (within scope of practice)

The evidence submitted must be comprehensive enough for the SSA to understand the nature and severity of the impairment(s), its duration, and its impact on your ability to function. Key types of evidence include:

• Medical history
• Clinical findings (physical or mental status examination results)
• Laboratory findings (blood tests, X-rays, imaging results, etc.)
• Diagnosis
• Treatment prescribed (medications, therapies) and response, including side effects
• Prognosis
• Statements about functional limitations: For adults, this includes the ability to perform work-related activities (sitting, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, handling objects, hearing, speaking, understanding/remembering/carrying out instructions, responding to supervision/co-workers/work pressures, adapting to environmental conditions). For children, it involves functioning compared to peers without impairments in areas like acquiring information, attending to tasks, interacting, moving/manipulating objects, self-care, and health/well-being.
• Detailed information about symptoms like pain, fatigue, or shortness of breath (location, duration, frequency, intensity, precipitating/aggravating factors, treatments used, effectiveness, side effects, impact on daily activities)

If the evidence from your own sources is insufficient or inconsistent, the SSA may arrange and pay for a Consultative Examination (CE) with an independent medical source. More information on evidence requirements is in the SSA’s “Blue Book” at the Disability Evidence Requirements page.

Application and Determination Process

Applying for SSDI: You can apply for SSDI benefits through several channels:

• Online: The SSA offers a secure online application at www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability or the disability application page. This is often the most convenient method.
• Phone: Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
• In Person: Visit a local Social Security office (appointment recommended).

Information and Documents Needed: Similar to retirement, basic information (SSN, birth certificate, citizenship proof, military papers, W-2/tax return, bank details) is needed. Additionally, extensive medical information is required, including details about conditions, treatments, dates, providers (names, addresses, phone numbers, patient IDs), medications, tests, and work history (job duties, dates, hours, pay, skills used).

The SSA provides an Adult Disability Starter Kit to help applicants gather this information. This kit includes a checklist, worksheet, and fact sheet, available at the Disability Starter Kits page.

Determination Process: The application process involves both the local SSA field office and a state agency called the Disability Determination Services (DDS).

1. The SSA field office verifies non-medical eligibility requirements (age, work credits, etc.) and current work activity.
2. If these are met, the case is sent to the DDS in your state.
3. The DDS, staffed by physicians, psychologists, and disability specialists, gathers and evaluates the medical evidence from your treating sources and may request CEs.
4. The DDS makes the disability determination using the 5-Step Sequential Evaluation Process:
   • Step 1: Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): Are you working and earning above the SGA threshold ($1,620 non-blind / $2,700 blind in 2025)? If yes, the claim is generally denied. If no, proceed to Step 2.
   • Step 2: Severe Impairment: Do you have a medically determinable impairment (or combination) that significantly limits your ability to perform basic work activities and meets the 12-month duration requirement? If no, the claim is denied. If yes, proceed to Step 3.
   • Step 3: Listing of Impairments: Does the impairment meet or medically equal the criteria of an impairment in the SSA’s Listing of Impairments (often called the “Blue Book”)? If yes, the claim is approved (assuming SGA is not being performed). If no, proceed to Step 4. SSA has expedited processes like Compassionate Allowances (CAL) and Quick Disability Determinations (QDD) for certain obviously disabling conditions. Visit the Listings of Impairments page for more details.
   • Step 4: Past Relevant Work (PRW): Can you perform any of your past relevant work (jobs held in the last 15 years that involved SGA and were performed long enough to learn)? This involves assessing your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC)—what you can still do despite your limitations—and comparing it to the demands of your past jobs. If you can perform PRW, the claim is denied. If not, proceed to Step 5.
   • Step 5: Other Work: Considering your RFC, age, education, and work experience (including transferable skills), can you adjust to perform any other type of work that exists in significant numbers in the national economy? If yes, the claim is denied. If no, the claim is approved.

Waiting Period: If an SSDI claim is approved, there is typically a five full calendar month waiting period after the established disability onset date before benefits begin. Payments start with the sixth full month of disability.

The highly structured, sequential nature of this evaluation means a claim can be denied at any step. Steps 2 and 3 are heavily reliant on strong medical evidence that aligns with SSA’s criteria. While Steps 4 and 5 incorporate vocational factors like age and education, the determination still fundamentally rests on the medical assessment of your functional limitations (RFC). This underscores the critical importance of obtaining and submitting complete, detailed medical documentation from acceptable sources to support a disability claim.

Social Security Survivor Benefits

When a worker who has paid into Social Security dies, benefits may be payable to their eligible family members. These survivor benefits provide crucial financial support following the loss of a wage earner.

Eligibility Overview

Survivor benefits are available to qualified family members if the deceased worker earned enough Social Security work credits during their lifetime. The number of credits needed depends on the worker’s age at the time of death.

While a maximum of 40 credits (10 years of work) may be required for older workers, younger workers need fewer credits for their families to be eligible. A special rule allows benefits to be paid to a surviving spouse caring for eligible children, and to those children, if the worker earned just 6 credits (1.5 years of work) in the three years immediately preceding death.

Eligible Survivors

Several categories of family members may qualify for survivor benefits:

Widow(er)s: A surviving spouse can typically claim benefits starting at age 60 (or age 50 if they have a qualifying disability). To receive full benefits (100% of the deceased worker’s amount), the survivor must wait until their own full retirement age for survivors, which differs slightly from the retirement FRA and ranges from 66 to 67 depending on birth year.

The marriage generally must have lasted at least nine months, though exceptions exist (e.g., accidental death). Remarriage before age 60 (or 50 if disabled) generally disqualifies the survivor, but remarriage at or after these ages does not affect eligibility for survivor benefits based on the deceased spouse’s record. A surviving spouse of any age may be eligible if they are caring for the deceased worker’s child who is under age 16 or disabled and receiving benefits.

Surviving Divorced Spouses: An ex-spouse may qualify for survivor benefits under similar age rules (60+, or 50+ if disabled) if the marriage lasted at least 10 years. They generally must be unmarried, unless the remarriage occurred after age 60 (or 50 if disabled).

Like a current spouse, a surviving divorced spouse can receive benefits at any age if caring for the deceased worker’s natural or legally adopted child who is under 16 or disabled; the 10-year marriage duration rule is waived in this specific circumstance.

Children: Unmarried children of the deceased worker are eligible if they are: under age 18; OR age 18-19 and attending elementary or secondary school full-time; OR age 18 or older with a disability that began before age 22. Benefits may also extend to stepchildren, grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and adopted children under specific conditions.

Dependent Parents: A parent (age 62 or older) of the deceased worker may be eligible if they were receiving at least half of their financial support from the worker at the time of death (or disability onset). They must provide proof of this dependency, must not be entitled to their own retirement benefit that equals or exceeds the parent’s survivor benefit, and must not have married since the worker’s death.

The intricate web of eligibility rules—factoring in age, relationship to the deceased, marital history, remarriage status, dependency, and caregiving responsibilities—makes determining qualification complex. Age requirements differ for various survivor types, remarriage rules have specific age cutoffs, and caring for a child can override standard age or marriage duration requirements. Proving dependency is essential for parents. Due to this complexity, potential survivors should contact the SSA directly to discuss their specific situation and confirm eligibility.

Benefit Amounts and Family Maximum

The amount of survivor benefits paid is directly linked to the deceased worker’s lifetime earnings record, specifically their Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). A worker with higher lifetime earnings will generally yield higher potential survivor benefits for their family.

The percentage of the deceased worker’s benefit amount a survivor receives typically depends on the survivor’s age and relationship:

• Surviving Spouse at Full Retirement Age (FRA) or older: 100% of the deceased worker’s benefit amount (or PIA, potentially limited if the deceased claimed reduced benefits early).
• Surviving Spouse, age 60 to FRA: A reduced percentage, ranging from 71.5% (at age 60) up to 99% just before FRA.
• Surviving Spouse (any age) caring for child under 16 or disabled: 75% of the worker’s benefit amount.
• Eligible Child: 75% of the worker’s benefit amount.
• Dependent Parent (age 62+): 82.5% of the worker’s benefit amount if only one parent is eligible; 75% each if two parents are eligible.

Family Maximum Rule: Social Security law limits the total amount of monthly benefits that can be paid out based on a single worker’s earnings record. This is known as the “family maximum”. The formula for calculating the family maximum for retirement and survivor benefits is based on the worker’s PIA and involves bend points, similar to the PIA calculation itself. For families of workers who turn 62 or die in 2025 before age 62, the formula is:

• 150% of the first $1,567 of PIA, plus
• 272% of PIA over $1,567 through $2,262, plus
• 134% of PIA over $2,262 through $2,950, plus
• 175% of PIA over $2,950.

The 2025 bend points for the family maximum formula are $1,567, $2,262, and $2,950. Find more details at the SSA’s family maximum page.

If the sum of the potential benefits payable to all eligible family members (excluding divorced spouses) exceeds this calculated maximum, the benefits for the auxiliary beneficiaries (spouses, children, parents) are reduced proportionally until the total fits within the limit. The deceased worker’s own benefit (if applicable, as in a retirement scenario where family members also receive benefits) is not reduced.

Importantly, benefits paid to a surviving divorced spouse do not count toward the family maximum limit and are never reduced because of it.

The family maximum rule can significantly affect the actual amount received by survivors, especially in larger families where multiple children and a spouse qualify. For example, a surviving spouse caring for two eligible children might theoretically qualify for 75% + 75% + 75% = 225% of the worker’s PIA, but the family maximum often caps the total payout at 150% to 188% of the PIA. This results in each survivor receiving a smaller percentage than the standard rate. Families should be aware of this potential reduction when estimating benefits.

How to Apply and Report a Death

Reporting a Death: In most cases, the funeral home director will report the death to the SSA if provided with the deceased’s Social Security number. If this doesn’t happen, or if no funeral home is involved, a family member should promptly call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to report the death.

Information needed includes the deceased’s full name, SSN, date of birth, and date of death. It is also critical to return any Social Security payments received for the month of the worker’s death or any later months. If paid by direct deposit, the bank should be notified; if paid by check, the check should be returned uncashed to the SSA. Information on reporting a death is at the SSA’s when someone dies page.

Applying for Survivor Benefits: Unlike retirement or disability benefits, applications for survivor benefits cannot be completed online. Prospective applicants must call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to schedule an appointment to apply either by phone or in person at a local Social Security office. It is important to contact the SSA and apply promptly after the worker’s death, as benefits may only be paid from the time of application, not retroactively to the date of death in some cases.

Documents Needed for Application: While specific requirements may vary, applicants should be prepared to provide:

• Proof of the worker’s death (death certificate or funeral home statement)
• The applicant’s SSN and the deceased worker’s SSN
• The applicant’s birth certificate (original or certified copy)
• Marriage certificate (if applying as a widow(er))
• Final divorce decree (if applying as a surviving divorced spouse)
• SSNs and birth certificates for any dependent children applying
• The deceased worker’s W-2 forms or federal self-employment tax return for the most recent year
• Applicant’s bank routing and account number for direct deposit

The SSA generally requires original documents or copies certified by the issuing agency; photocopies are usually not accepted except for tax documents or medical records. Applicants should not delay filing if they don’t have all documents, as the SSA can assist in obtaining them. Form SSA-10 provides a list of information needed for widow(er)’s/surviving divorced spouse’s benefits at the SSA-10 form page.

Lump-Sum Death Payment (LSDP): A one-time payment of $255 may be available. It is typically paid to a surviving spouse who was living with the deceased worker at the time of death, or who was living apart but eligible for certain benefits on the deceased’s record. If there is no eligible surviving spouse, the payment can be made to a child who was eligible for benefits on the deceased’s record in the month of death. An application for the LSDP must generally be filed within two years of the worker’s death.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a distinct federal program administered by the Social Security Administration, designed to provide a basic level of income support to individuals with significant financial need.

Purpose and How it Differs from SSDI

The core purpose of SSI is to provide monthly cash payments to meet essential needs like food, clothing, and shelter for adults and children who have disabilities or are blind, or for individuals aged 65 and older, provided they have very limited income and resources.

SSI differs fundamentally from Social Security benefits like SSDI in several key ways:

• Needs-Based vs. Earned Benefit: SSI eligibility is strictly based on financial need (limited income and resources). SSDI and other Social Security benefits are earned through working and paying Social Security taxes; financial need is not a direct eligibility factor for SSDI.
• Funding Source: SSI is funded by general revenues from the U.S. Treasury (e.g., personal and corporate income taxes). Social Security benefits (including SSDI) are funded by the dedicated Social Security taxes paid by workers and employers.
• Work History: SSI does not require any prior work history for eligibility. SSDI eligibility is contingent upon having earned sufficient work credits recently and over one’s lifetime.
• Benefit Amount Calculation: The SSI benefit amount is based on federal and state standards, reduced by countable income, and potentially affected by living arrangements. Social Security benefit amounts are based on the individual’s average lifetime earnings.

It is possible for an individual to receive both SSI and SSDI benefits simultaneously, known as “concurrent benefits”. This typically occurs when an individual qualifies for SSDI based on their work record but the SSDI payment amount is very low (below the SSI income threshold), allowing them to also meet the financial eligibility criteria for SSI.

Understanding the distinction between SSI as a needs-based program (akin to welfare) and SSDI as an earned insurance benefit is crucial for potential applicants. SSI’s stringent income and resource limits contrast with SSDI’s lack of such financial tests. Conversely, SSDI’s work history requirement is absent for SSI. This explains why an individual might qualify for one program but not the other, or in some cases, both.

Eligibility: Age/Disability, Income, and Resources

To qualify for SSI, you must meet categorical requirements (age, blindness, or disability) as well as strict financial limits on income and resources, and residency/citizenship requirements.

Categorical Requirements: An applicant must be:

• Age 65 or older; OR
• Blind (meeting the statutory definition, regardless of age); OR
• Disabled (meeting the SSA’s definition, regardless of age). The definition of disability for adults (age 18+) is the same as for SSDI: inability to perform SGA due to a medically determinable impairment expected to last 12+ months or result in death. For children (under 18), disability means having a medically determinable physical or mental impairment (or combination) that causes “marked and severe functional limitations” and meets the duration requirement.

Residency and Citizenship: Applicants must reside within the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands. Residents of Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa are generally ineligible.

They must typically be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national, although certain categories of lawfully present noncitizens may also qualify. Individuals who are inmates of most public institutions (like jails or prisons) or have certain outstanding felony or arrest warrants are usually ineligible.

Income Limits: Applicants must have “limited” income. Income includes earned income (wages, self-employment), unearned income (Social Security benefits, pensions, unemployment, gifts), and in-kind support and maintenance (ISM) for food or shelter provided by others.

Not all income counts towards the limit; SSA applies various exclusions. Common exclusions include the first $20 of most unearned income per month, the first $65 of earned income per month plus one-half of the remainder, SNAP benefits (food stamps), most home energy assistance, and income set aside under a Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS).

The resulting income after exclusions is called “countable income”. Generally, to be eligible, countable income must be less than the maximum federal SSI benefit rate. For 2025, the federal benefit rate is $967/month for an individual and $1,450/month for a couple; thus, approximate monthly income limits (before exclusions) are $987 for an individual ($967 FBR + $20 general exclusion) and $1,470 for a couple ($1450 FBR + $20 general exclusion) if income is unearned.

Earned income limits are higher due to the earned income exclusion ($65 + half remainder). Income of a spouse or parent (if the applicant is a child) may be partially “deemed” available to the applicant and counted. More on income exclusions can be found at the SSA’s SSI income page and the limits and exceptions page.

Resource Limits: Applicants must also have “limited” resources (assets they own that can be converted to cash for support). Resources include cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, land (other than the home property), vehicles (beyond one), and life insurance cash value.

The resource limit is strict: $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. These limits apply as of the first moment of the month. Not all resources count towards this limit. Major exclusions include the home the applicant lives in and the land it’s on, one vehicle used for transportation, household goods and personal effects (like wedding rings), burial plots, burial funds set aside up to $1,500 per person, life insurance policies with a total face value of $1,500 or less, property essential for self-support, funds in an approved PASS plan, and funds up to $100,000 in an ABLE account.

Resources of a spouse or parent may be deemed to the applicant. Resource information is at the SSA’s SSI resources page and the resources spotlight page.

Living Arrangements: An applicant’s living situation can affect their eligibility and payment amount, primarily through the rules for In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM). If someone lives in another person’s household and doesn’t pay their fair share of food and shelter costs, or if someone else pays for their food or shelter, their SSI benefit may be reduced.

This reduction is calculated based on the value of the support received, up to a maximum reduction known as the Presumed Maximum Value (PMV), which is one-third of the federal benefit rate plus $20. (Note: As of September 30, 2024, food is no longer counted as ISM). Living in certain institutions, especially if Medicaid pays more than half the cost of care, can also result in a significantly reduced SSI payment (often $30/month). Details are at the SSA’s living arrangements page.

Benefit Amounts

The monthly SSI payment amount varies based on income, living arrangements, and state supplemental payments.

Federal Benefit Rate (FBR): The maximum federal SSI payment is set annually. For 2025, the FBR is $967 per month for an eligible individual and $1,450 per month for an eligible couple.

Calculation: The actual monthly payment is generally the FBR minus the individual’s countable income. If countable income is high enough to reduce the payment to zero, the individual is ineligible for SSI for that month.

State Supplements: Most states provide an additional payment, known as a State Supplementary Payment (SSP) or Optional State Supplement (OSS), which increases the total monthly benefit received by SSI recipients in that state. The amount of the supplement and how it is administered (by the SSA or the state itself) varies widely by state. A few states and territories (Arizona, Mississippi, North Dakota, West Virginia, Northern Mariana Islands) do not offer a state supplement. Information on state supplements is available at the SSA’s SSI benefits page.

How to Apply for SSI

Individuals can initiate the SSI application process through several methods:

• Online: A simplified online application process is available for certain adults (age 18-64 years 10 months, never married, U.S. citizen/certain noncitizens, first-time SSI applicant, applying for SSDI concurrently). Others can start the process online at www.ssa.gov/ssi or the SSI application page.
• Phone: Call the SSA toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to schedule an appointment to apply by phone or in person.
• In Person: Visit a local Social Security office (appointment recommended).

Documents Needed: Applicants should be prepared to provide documentation verifying their identity, age, citizenship or alien status, income, resources, and living arrangements. If applying based on disability or blindness, detailed medical evidence and work history will also be required. Similar to other benefits, the SSA can assist in obtaining necessary documents, and Disability Starter Kits are available for disability-based applications.

Applying for SSI also serves as an application for any Social Security benefits (like retirement or disability) the person might be eligible for. Applicants are generally required to apply for any other benefits for which they might qualify (e.g., pensions, veterans benefits). Eligibility for SSI often automatically qualifies the recipient for Medicaid in most states and may make them eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Key Information Across Benefit Types

Several important concepts and processes apply across different Social Security programs.

Earning Social Security Work Credits

Work credits are the basic units used to determine eligibility for Social Security retirement, disability (SSDI), and survivor benefits (but not SSI). They function as “building blocks” earned through working in jobs covered by Social Security and paying Social Security taxes.

In 2025, one credit is earned for each $1,810 of covered earnings, with a maximum of four credits earnable per year (requiring $7,240 in earnings). The earnings amount needed per credit generally increases each year with average wage growth.

The number of credits earned determines eligibility for benefits, not the amount of the benefit payment; benefit amounts are based on average lifetime earnings. Credits remain on an individual’s earnings record permanently, even during periods of non-work.

Special rules may apply for earning credits in certain types of employment, such as self-employment, domestic work, farm work, military service, or work for some non-profit organizations. More information is available at the SSA’s credits page.

Using Your ‘my Social Security’ Account

The SSA provides a free and secure online portal called ‘my Social Security’ that offers personalized tools and services for individuals, whether they currently receive benefits or not.

For individuals not receiving benefits, the account allows them to:

• View their online Social Security Statement, which includes personalized estimates of future retirement, disability, and survivor benefits based on their earnings record
• Verify their lifetime earnings history for accuracy
• See estimates of Social Security and Medicare taxes paid
• Get estimates for potential spouse’s benefits
• Check the status of a pending application or appeal
• Request a replacement Social Security card (in most areas)
• Obtain a letter proving they do not currently receive benefits

For individuals currently receiving benefits or enrolled in Medicare, the account allows them to:

• Set up or change their direct deposit information for benefit payments
• Get a copy of their annual Social Security Benefit Statement (Form SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S) for tax purposes
• Print an official Benefit Verification letter (proof of income/benefits)
• Change their address and phone number on record
• Request a replacement Social Security card or Medicare card
• Report wages if working while receiving SSDI or SSI
• Opt to receive certain SSA notices online instead of by mail, with email or text alerts

The ‘my Social Security’ account serves as the central hub for individuals to interact with the agency online. Its promotion across SSA materials indicates its importance as the primary tool for accessing personal records, obtaining benefit estimates, managing active benefits, and utilizing self-service options conveniently and securely.

Working While Receiving Benefits

It is possible to work while receiving Social Security benefits, but specific rules and earnings limits apply, varying by benefit type and age.

Retirement and Survivor Benefits: The “retirement earnings test” applies only to beneficiaries who are younger than their Full Retirement Age (FRA).

• If under FRA for the entire year 2025: The annual earnings limit is $23,400. For every $2 earned above this limit, $1 in benefits is withheld.
• In the year FRA is reached (2025): A higher limit of $62,160 applies to earnings in the months before the month FRA is attained. For every $3 earned above this limit during that period, $1 in benefits is withheld.
• Once FRA is reached: There is no limit on earnings; individuals can earn any amount and still receive their full Social Security benefit payment starting with the month they reach FRA.

Benefit Adjustment: Benefits withheld due to the earnings test are not permanently lost. When the beneficiary reaches FRA, their benefit amount is recalculated to give credit for the months benefits were withheld, resulting in a higher monthly payment going forward.

A special monthly earnings rule applies during the first year of retirement, allowing benefits to be paid for any whole month considered “retired,” regardless of total annual earnings. Different rules involving hours worked may apply to self-employed individuals. Details are in the publication “How Work Affects Your Benefits”.

Table 5: 2025 Annual Earnings Limits for Retirement/Survivor Beneficiaries Under FRA

Disability (SSDI) Benefits: The SSA offers work incentives specifically designed to help SSDI beneficiaries test their ability to work without immediately losing benefits.

• Trial Work Period (TWP): This allows beneficiaries to work for up to 9 months (not necessarily consecutive) within a rolling 60-month period while receiving their full SSDI benefits, regardless of how much they earn. A month counts as a TWP “service month” if earnings exceed a certain threshold ($1,160 in 2025) or if a self-employed person works more than 80 hours. More details are at the SSA’s TWP page.
• Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE): Following the TWP, a 36-month EPE begins. During the EPE, benefits are paid for any month where earnings are below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level ($1,620 non-blind / $2,700 blind in 2025), provided the individual still meets the disability requirements. If earnings exceed SGA during the EPE, benefits are generally suspended for that month.The first time SGA is exceeded marks the beginning of a “grace period” (cessation month plus the next two months) during which benefits are still paid. If earnings later drop below SGA within the 36-month EPE, benefits can be reinstated without needing a new application. After the 36-month EPE, benefits typically terminate if earnings remain above SGA.
• Expedited Reinstatement (EXR): If benefits stop due to work, EXR provides a safety net for 5 years. If the individual becomes unable to perform SGA again due to the original (or related) impairment within this 5-year window, they can request reinstatement without filing a new application. Provisional benefits may be paid for up to 6 months while the SSA reviews the EXR request. More information is at the SSA’s EXR page.

SSI Benefits: Earnings generally reduce SSI payments dollar-for-dollar after applicable exclusions (like the $65 earned income exclusion plus half the remainder). However, various work incentives exist, such as Plans to Achieve Self-Support (PASS), Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE), Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWEs), and Blind Work Expenses (BWEs), which allow certain income or expenses to be disregarded. Additionally, Section 1619(b) allows individuals whose earnings become too high for SSI cash payments to potentially keep Medicaid coverage.

The existence of specific programs like the TWP, EPE, and EXR for SSDI beneficiaries demonstrates a clear policy goal: to encourage and support individuals with disabilities in their efforts to return to work without the fear of immediate and permanent loss of crucial income and healthcare support. These provisions acknowledge the inherent difficulties and potential setbacks involved in working with a significant impairment, offering safety nets that differ markedly from the earnings rules applied to non-disabled retirement and survivor beneficiaries under FRA. Comprehensive details on work incentives are available in the SSA’s “Red Book”.

Taxes on Social Security Benefits

Whether Social Security benefits are subject to income tax depends on the type of benefit and the recipient’s total income.

Federal Income Tax: Social Security retirement, survivor, and disability (SSDI) benefits may be subject to federal income tax, depending on the beneficiary’s “combined income” and filing status. “Combined income” is calculated as: Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) + Nontaxable Interest + One-half of Social Security Benefits.

Taxation Thresholds: The thresholds established in 1983 and 1993 determine the taxable portion:

• 0% Taxable: If combined income is below $25,000 (single, head of household, qualifying widow/er, married filing separately and lived apart all year) or below $32,000 (married filing jointly).
• Up to 50% Taxable: If combined income is between $25,000-$34,000 (single/etc.) or $32,000-$44,000 (married filing jointly). The taxable amount is the lesser of 50% of benefits OR 50% of combined income over the first threshold.
• Up to 85% Taxable: If combined income is above $34,000 (single/etc.) or above $44,000 (married filing jointly). The taxable amount calculation is more complex but capped at 85% of total benefits.
• Married Filing Separately (lived together): Base amount is $0, meaning benefits are likely taxable.

Table 6: Federal Income Tax Thresholds for Social Security Benefits

SSI Benefits: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments are not subject to federal income tax. Individuals receiving only SSI will not receive a tax form (SSA-1099) from the SSA.

Tax Reporting and Payment: Beneficiaries who may owe taxes receive Form SSA-1099 (or SSA-1042S for non-resident aliens) each January, showing the total benefits paid in the previous year. Taxes can be paid through quarterly estimated tax payments to the IRS or by requesting voluntary withholding from Social Security benefits.

Beneficiaries can complete IRS Form W-4V (Voluntary Withholding Request) and submit it to the SSA to have 7%, 10%, 12%, or 22% of their monthly benefit withheld for federal taxes. For more information, visit the IRS Social Security income FAQ page and the SSA tax withholding page.

State Income Tax: In addition to federal taxes, some states also tax Social Security benefits. As of recent information, states mentioned as potentially taxing benefits include Colorado, Connecticut, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and West Virginia. State rules vary significantly, often depending on income levels. Beneficiaries should consult their state tax agency for specific rules.

A key point regarding federal taxation is that the income thresholds ($25,000/$32,000 and $34,000/$44,000) have never been adjusted for inflation or wage growth since they were enacted in 1983 and 1993. As general income levels and benefit amounts have risen over the decades, a progressively larger percentage of beneficiaries find their combined income exceeding these fixed thresholds, causing more people over time to pay federal income tax on their benefits.

Appealing a Denied Claim

Individuals who disagree with a decision made by the SSA regarding their benefits generally have the right to appeal. The administrative appeal process involves up to four levels:

1. Reconsideration: This is the first step. It involves a complete review of the claim file and any new evidence submitted, conducted by someone different from the person who made the initial determination. A Request for Reconsideration (Form SSA-561) must be filed.
2. Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ): If dissatisfied with the reconsideration decision, the individual can request a hearing before an ALJ. The ALJ conducts a formal hearing where the claimant (and representative, if any) can appear, present testimony, and submit evidence. The ALJ makes a new, independent decision. A Request for Hearing by Administrative Law Judge (Form HA-501) is used.
3. Appeals Council Review: If the individual disagrees with the ALJ’s decision, they can ask the Appeals Council to review it. The Appeals Council can deny the request, decide the case itself, or send it back (remand) to an ALJ for further action. This is the final level of administrative review. A Request for Review of Hearing Decision/Order (Form HA-520) is filed.
4. Federal District Court Review: After exhausting the administrative appeals process (i.e., receiving a final decision from the Appeals Council or having the request for review denied), the individual may file a civil lawsuit in a U.S. District Court.

Time Limit: Generally, a request for appeal (Reconsideration, ALJ Hearing, or Appeals Council Review) must be filed within 60 days of the date the individual receives the notice of the unfavorable decision. The SSA assumes notice is received 5 days after the date on the notice, unless shown otherwise. Missing the deadline can mean losing the right to appeal, though extensions may be granted for good cause shown in writing.

How to File: Appeals can typically be filed:

• Online: The SSA encourages using the online appeal process for Reconsideration, ALJ Hearing, and Appeals Council review at the SSA’s appeal decision page.
• By Mail/Fax: Downloadable appeal forms are available at the SSA’s forms page. Completed forms can be mailed or faxed to the local Social Security office.
• By Phone/In Person: Individuals can call 1-800-772-1213 or contact their local office to request appeal forms.

Benefit Continuation: In certain situations, particularly involving the cessation of disability benefits due to medical improvement or some non-medical SSI terminations, benefits may continue during the appeal process if the appeal is filed within a short timeframe (usually 10 days of receiving the notice).

Understanding Key Social Security Terms

Navigating Social Security requires understanding some specific terminology used by the SSA. Here are definitions for several key terms:

Work Credits: These are the basic units earned by working and paying Social Security taxes. They act as “building blocks” to establish eligibility for Social Security retirement, disability (SSDI), and survivor benefits. A maximum of four credits can be earned per year. The amount of earnings needed to earn one credit changes annually (in 2025, it is $1,810). Most people need 40 credits for retirement benefits. Fewer credits may be needed for disability or survivor benefits, especially for younger individuals. More information is at the SSA’s credits page.

Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME): This is the inflation-adjusted average of a worker’s monthly earnings over their highest-earning 35 years (up to the annual Social Security maximum taxable amount). Past earnings are indexed to bring them up to current wage levels before averaging. AIME is the base figure used to calculate the PIA. More details are at the SSA’s AIME explanation page.

Primary Insurance Amount (PIA): This represents the basic Social Security benefit amount an individual is entitled to receive if they start benefits at their Full Retirement Age (FRA). It is calculated by applying a progressive, three-tiered formula (using bend points) to the worker’s AIME. Actual benefits received may be higher or lower than the PIA depending on the age benefits start (early retirement reduces it, delayed retirement increases it). Visit the SSA’s PIA formula page for more information.

Full Retirement Age (FRA): This is the age at which an individual qualifies to receive their full, unreduced Social Security retirement benefit (100% of their PIA). FRA varies based on year of birth, ranging from 66 to 67 for those born between 1943 and 1960 or later. Claiming benefits before FRA results in a permanent reduction; delaying past FRA results in an increase via DRCs. Details are at the SSA’s retirement age page.

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): This term describes a level of work activity and earnings used primarily in determining eligibility for disability benefits (SSDI and SSI based on disability). Work is “substantial” if it involves significant physical or mental activities. Work is “gainful” if it is the kind usually done for pay or profit, regardless of whether a profit is actually made. Earning above a certain monthly amount generally indicates SGA. For 2025, the SGA threshold is $1,620 for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Being engaged in SGA typically means an individual is not considered disabled under Social Security rules. Visit the SSA’s SGA page for more information.

These core terms are interconnected and foundational to understanding how Social Security benefits work. Work credits determine initial eligibility for most benefits. AIME summarizes the relevant earnings history. PIA converts AIME into the base benefit amount. FRA dictates when the full PIA is payable without adjustments. SGA serves as a critical threshold for disability evaluations. Grasping these concepts is essential for individuals planning for retirement or navigating disability or survivor claims.

Helpful SSA Resources

The Social Security Administration provides a wide array of resources to help the public understand benefits, plan for the future, and manage their interactions with the agency.

Official Publications and Fact Sheets

The SSA offers numerous free publications, including pamphlets and fact sheets, that explain program rules, eligibility criteria, and benefit details in clear language. Key publications covering the main benefit types include:

• Retirement Benefits (Publication EN-05-10035)
• Disability Benefits (Publication EN-05-10029)
• Survivors Benefits (Publication EN-05-10084)
• Understanding Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (Publication EN-05-11000)

These and many other publications are available online through the SSA publications page. Specialized resources like the Red Book provide comprehensive details on work incentives for disability beneficiaries, while SSI Spotlights cover specific SSI rules. Various Fact Sheets offer concise summaries of program data and rules.

Online Calculators and Tools

The SSA website hosts a suite of online calculators designed to help individuals estimate potential benefits and understand the impact of different decisions. Major tools include:

• Retirement Estimator: Available within the ‘my Social Security’ account, providing personalized estimates based on the user’s actual earnings record.
• Quick Calculator: Offers rough estimates based on user-inputted age and current earnings.
• Online Calculator: Provides more detailed estimates but requires users to manually input their year-by-year earnings from their Social Security Statement.
• Detailed Calculator: A downloadable program offering the most comprehensive calculations for various benefit types, including complex situations.
• Specialized Calculators: Tools to estimate the impact of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), Government Pension Offset (GPO), early or late retirement decisions, the earnings test, spousal benefits, and life expectancy.

These calculators provide valuable estimates for planning purposes but are not official benefit determinations. Access the calculators at the SSA’s calculators page.

Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.