The Social Security Administration (SSA) administers America’s largest social insurance program, providing retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to millions.[1] Established in 1935, SSA manages Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI), Disability Insurance (DI), and need-based Supplemental Security Income (SSI).[2][4] It also assigns Social Security numbers and maintains lifelong earnings records.[7]

Core Benefits Overview

Explore comprehensive Social Security benefits, including retirement benefits by age and survivor benefits. Families can access benefits for children, widow and widower support, or SSI for low-income aged, blind, or disabled individuals.[4][5]

Disability and Application Guidance

Check disability eligibility, review the determination process, and learn how to apply for SSDI. In FY 2022, SSA paid $1.2 trillion to 66 million people.[4]

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All Articles on Social Security Administration

The Social Security Decision Appeal Process

Receiving an unfavorable decision from the Social Security Administration (SSA) regarding benefits can be disheartening, but it's not the final…

How to Apply for a New Social Security Card

A Social Security number (SSN) is a unique 9-digit identifier assigned by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to individuals in…

Understanding the Social Security Earnings Limit

You can receive Social Security retirement or survivor benefits while still employed. However, if you begin receiving benefits before reaching…

Balancing Work and Social Security Retirement Benefits

You can work while receiving Social Security retirement benefits. However, earning above certain limits before Full Retirement Age (FRA) can…

Taxes on Your Social Security Income

This guide focuses on Social Security retirement, survivor, and disability benefits; Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments are administered by the…

Estimating Your Future Social Security Benefits

This guide explains the fundamentals of eligibility, how benefits are calculated, the tools available to estimate your future payments, and…

A Guide to Social Security Survivor Benefits

Social Security survivor benefits provide crucial financial support to eligible family members following the death of a worker who contributed…

Eligibility for Social Security Disability Benefits

This guide explains the requirements for the two main disability programs administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA): Social Security…