Social Security is the federal program that pays monthly benefits to retired workers, people with disabilities, and the families and survivors of workers. The Social Security Administration runs it, and it is paid for mainly through payroll taxes. Related programs, such as Supplemental Security Income, serve people with limited income and resources.
People usually bring questions about how to apply, how benefits are figured, and how payments adjust for the cost of living. They also ask about disability benefits, survivor and ex-spouse benefits, how to contact the agency, how to fix records, what to do after a denial, and how the program's long-term finances work.
An independent team explaining how government works
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The Social Security Administration (SSA) has provided financial protection for Americans for nearly 90 years.
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