Social Security

Social Security is a government program that gives you money each month after you retire, if you have a disability, or if your spouse has died. You earn it by working and paying into the system through your job. The money helps you pay for basic needs like groceries, housing, utilities, and medicine as you age.

Another name for Social Security is Old Age, Survivors, Disability, and Health Insurance Programs or OASDHI.

Who can get Social Security?

You can get Social Security if you are at least 62 years old. You must also have worked and paid into the system through your job.

You may also get Social Security if:

• You have a disability and cannot work.
• Your spouse gets Social Security benefits.
• You are a widow or widower of someone who passed away.
• You are caring for a child who lost a parent who worked.

When can I start getting Social Security benefits?

Most people can start getting money at age 62 or older. But the earlier you claim benefits, the smaller your benefit amount. If you wait until your full retirement age to collect benefits (usually between 66 and 67), you will get your full monthly amount.

How much money will I get each month?

Your monthly Social Security payments depend on how much you earned while working. The more you paid into the system, the higher your benefit.

Your monthly check amount also depends on when you start collecting benefits. The closer to age 62 you are when you start collecting, the smaller your monthly check will be. If you wait until you are closer to age 70, your check amount will be larger.

As of April 2025, the average Social Security monthly payment for retired workers was $1,999.97.

Can I work and still receive Social Security?

Yes, you can still work while getting Social Security. But if you are younger than full retirement age, there is a limit to how much you can earn. If your earnings are higher than this limit, your benefit amount may be reduced.

Once you reach full retirement age, what you earn from working will no longer reduce your benefit amount. There is no limit on how much you can earn and still collect benefits.

Do I have to pay taxes on my Social Security income?

Maybe. Some people do pay taxes on their Social Security income, and some do not. It depends on how much other money you make (like from a job, pension, or savings). If you have other income, you might have to pay taxes on part of your Social Security benefit amount.

If Social Security is your only income, you probably will not have to pay taxes.

How can I learn more?

You can learn more about Social Security by visiting the Social Security Administration (SSA) website