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]
Receiving an unfavorable decision from the Social Security Administration (SSA) regarding benefits can be disheartening, but it's not the final…
A Social Security number (SSN) is a unique 9-digit identifier assigned by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to individuals in…
You can receive Social Security retirement or survivor benefits while still employed. However, if you begin receiving benefits before reaching…
You can work while receiving Social Security retirement benefits. However, earning above certain limits before Full Retirement Age (FRA) can…
This guide focuses on Social Security retirement, survivor, and disability benefits; Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments are administered by the…
This guide explains the fundamentals of eligibility, how benefits are calculated, the tools available to estimate your future payments, and…
Social Security survivor benefits provide crucial financial support to eligible family members following the death of a worker who contributed…
This guide explains the requirements for the two main disability programs administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA): Social Security…