Social Security Retirement Benefits

Social Security retirement benefits are available to individuals who have worked and paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes. To qualify for retirement benefits, you must meet the following criteria:

• Age: You must be at least 62 years old to begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits. However, your monthly benefit amount will be reduced if you begin taking benefits before your full retirement age.
• Work History: You must have earned enough work credits during your lifetime. Generally, you need to have worked for at least 10 years (or 40 quarters) to be eligible for retirement benefits.
• Full Retirement Age: The age at which you can receive your full Social Security retirement benefits depends on your year of birth. For individuals born after 1960, the full retirement age is 67.

Your benefit amount will be calculated based on your average lifetime earnings and when you begin receiving benefits.

Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI)

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides benefits to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. To be eligible for SSDI, you must meet the following requirements:

• Disability: You must have a medical condition that meets the SSA’s definition of disability. This means your condition must prevent you from working and is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.
• Work History: You must have earned enough work credits to qualify for SSDI. The number of credits required depends on your age at the time of your disability. Generally, individuals need 20 credits in the last 10 years of work.
• Work Credits: You earn work credits by working and paying into the Social Security system through payroll taxes. You can earn up to four credits per year, and you need a certain number of credits to qualify for SSDI.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides financial assistance to individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of their work history. The eligibility criteria for SSI are:

• Age or Disability: You must be 65 years or older, or you must be disabled or blind. The definition of disability for SSI is similar to the one used for SSDI, where your condition must prevent you from working for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death.
• Income and Resources: SSI is a needs-based program, meaning your income and resources must fall below certain thresholds. The SSA will evaluate your income, assets, and living situation to determine if you meet the eligibility requirements. For 2025, the income limit for an individual is generally around $1,733 per month, and for a couple, it's about $2,733.
• Citizenship or Residency: You must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified noncitizen. Certain legal immigrants may qualify, but there are restrictions.

Social Security Survivor Benefits

Social Security survivor benefits are provided to the family members of a deceased worker who paid into the Social Security system. Those who may be eligible for survivor benefits include:

• Widows and Widowers: A surviving spouse may receive survivor benefits if they are at least 60 years old (or 50 if they are disabled). A spouse may also qualify if they are caring for a deceased worker’s child under the age of 16 or a disabled child.
• Children: Children of a deceased worker may be eligible for survivor benefits if they are under the age of 18 (or 19 if they are still in high school). In some cases, disabled children may qualify for benefits at any age.
• Dependent Parents: If a worker dies and has no surviving spouse or minor children, dependent parents may be eligible for survivor benefits if they were dependent on the worker for financial support.

Social Security Benefits for Non-Citizens

While most Social Security benefits are available to U.S. citizens, non-citizens can also be eligible for benefits under certain circumstances:

• Work History: Non-citizens who have worked in the U.S. and paid into the Social Security system may be eligible for benefits, including retirement and disability benefits, provided they meet other eligibility requirements.
• Legal Status: Non-citizens must be in the U.S. legally to qualify for Social Security benefits. This includes lawful permanent residents (green card holders) and certain visa holders.
• Residency Requirements: Non-citizens may need to meet specific residency requirements to receive benefits.

How to Apply for Social Security Benefits

If you believe you are eligible for Social Security benefits, the next step is to apply. Here’s how you can get started:

• Online: You can apply for most Social Security benefits online through the SSA website at www.ssa.gov. This is the easiest and fastest way to apply for benefits.
• By Phone: You can apply over the phone by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.
• In Person: You can also visit your local Social Security office to apply for benefits, although you may need to schedule an appointment in advance.