10 Essential Things You Should Know About Social Security
Social Security supports nearly 69 million Americans, playing a critical role in financial security for older adults. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), 2 in 5 beneficiaries aged 65 and older rely on Social Security for at least half of their income, and 1 in 7 receive 90% or more. Without it, over 22 million Americans would face poverty, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Here’s what you need to know about how it works and who benefits.
Is Social Security only for retirees?
Not at all. While about 75% of beneficiaries are retirees, others include:
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Spouses, ex-spouses, and children of retirees (3.8%)
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People with disabilities and their families (12%)
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Survivors of deceased beneficiaries (8.4%)
When can I start receiving Social Security?
You can begin retirement benefits at age 62, but your payments are higher if you wait until your full retirement age (66–67, depending on your birth year). Survivor benefits and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) may be available earlier.
How do I apply for Social Security?
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Online via a My Social Security account
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By phone: 800-772-1213
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In person at a Social Security office (appointment required)
Retirement, spousal benefits, and SSDI can all be applied for online, by phone, or in person. Survivor benefits require applying by phone or in person.
How long do I need to work to qualify?
You need at least 10 years of work for retirement benefits. Social Security credits are earned by paying Social Security taxes, up to four credits per year. You need 40 credits for retirement eligibility; fewer may be needed for disability benefits.
Do I have to stop working to receive retirement benefits?
No. You can collect benefits while working. If you haven’t reached full retirement age and earn above certain limits, benefits may be temporarily reduced. Once you reach full retirement age, the reduction is removed and benefits are adjusted to account for what was withheld.
How much will I receive?
Social Security calculates your benefit using your 35 highest-earning years, adjusted for inflation, and applies a progressive formula. The age you claim benefits also impacts the monthly amount. Use the AARP Social Security Calculator to estimate your benefits.
What is the maximum Social Security benefit?
In 2025, the maximum monthly benefit at full retirement age is $4,018 — roughly double the average benefit of $1,981. To qualify for the top benefit, you must have earned above Social Security’s taxable maximum for at least 35 years.
How can I increase my benefits?
Waiting to claim Social Security boosts your monthly payments:
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Claiming at 62: ~70% of full benefit
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Claiming at full retirement age: 100% of full benefit
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Delaying past full retirement age up to 70: +8% per year
There’s no benefit to waiting beyond age 70.
Can I receive benefits based on an ex-spouse’s earnings?
Yes, if:
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Your marriage lasted 10+ years
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You’re 62 or older
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You haven’t remarried
You can receive up to 50% of your ex-spouse’s full benefit if it’s higher than your own. You get the higher of the two, not both.
How does Social Security know when someone dies?
The SSA receives death reports from family members, funeral homes, and government agencies. It’s best to notify Social Security directly at 800-772-1213 to ensure benefits are stopped promptly and survivor benefits are processed correctly.
Q1: Is Social Security only for retirees?
A: No. While 75% of beneficiaries are retirees, Social Security also helps:
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Spouses, ex-spouses, and children of retirees (3.8%)
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People with disabilities and their families (12%)
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Survivors of deceased beneficiaries (8.4%)
Q2: At what age can I start receiving Social Security?
A: You can begin retirement benefits at age 62. Payments are higher if you wait until your full retirement age (66–67, depending on your birth year). Survivor benefits and SSDI may be available earlier.
Q3: How do I apply for Social Security?
A: You can apply:
-
Online: via a My Social Security account
-
By phone: 800-772-1213
-
In person: at a Social Security office (appointment required)
Retirement, spousal benefits, and SSDI can be applied for online, by phone, or in person. Survivor benefits require applying by phone or in person.
Q4: How long do I need to work to qualify for benefits?
A: You need at least 10 years of work for retirement benefits. Social Security uses a credit system: up to four credits per year, with 40 credits required for retirement eligibility. Fewer credits may be needed for disability benefits.
Q5: Do I have to stop working to receive retirement benefits?
A: No. You can collect benefits while working. If you’re below full retirement age and earn above certain limits, benefits may be temporarily reduced. Once you reach full retirement age, reductions are removed and benefits are adjusted accordingly.
Q6: How much will I receive from Social Security?
A: Benefits depend on your 35 highest-earning years, adjusted for inflation, and the age you claim benefits. You can estimate your benefits using the AARP Social Security Calculator.
Q7: What is the maximum Social Security benefit?
A: In 2025, the maximum monthly benefit at full retirement age is $4,018, roughly double the average benefit of $1,981. To qualify for the top benefit, you must have earned above Social Security’s taxable maximum for at least 35 years.
Q8: How can I increase my Social Security benefits?
A: Waiting to claim benefits increases your monthly payments:
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Claim at 62 → ~70% of full benefit
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Claim at full retirement age → 100% of full benefit
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Delay up to age 70 → +8% per year
No advantage exists to delaying beyond age 70.
Q9: Can I receive Social Security benefits based on an ex-spouse’s earnings?
A: Yes, if:
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The marriage lasted 10+ years
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You’re 62 or older
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You haven’t remarried
You may receive up to 50% of your ex-spouse’s benefit if it exceeds your own, but you’ll receive only the higher amount, not both.
Q10: How does Social Security know when someone dies?
A: The SSA receives death reports from family members, funeral homes, and government agencies. It’s recommended to notify Social Security directly at 800-772-1213 to stop benefits and ensure survivor benefits are processed correctly.
Q11: What are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits?
A: SSDI provides monthly payments to people who are unable to work due to a qualifying disability. Eligibility requires enough work credits and medical proof of disability. Family members may also qualify for dependent benefits.
Q12: What are survivor benefits?
A: Survivor benefits provide financial support to spouses, ex-spouses, and children of deceased Social Security beneficiaries. Payments depend on the deceased’s work history and earnings.
Q13: Are Social Security benefits taxed?
A: Yes, benefits may be taxable depending on your total income. Up to 50% or 85% of Social Security income can be taxed at the federal level if your combined income exceeds certain thresholds.
Q14: How does inflation affect Social Security?
A: Social Security payments are adjusted annually via a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) to help beneficiaries keep up with inflation.
Q15: Can I change the amount of my benefits after claiming?
A: Once you start benefits, you can’t increase them except by continuing to work and paying Social Security taxes (if under full retirement age), or if you delay claiming past full retirement age up to age 70.
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