Social Security Retirement Benefits

To qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, you must meet the following requirements:

• Age: You must be at least 62 years old to begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits. However, the full retirement age is between 66 and 67, depending on your birth year. If you wait until your full retirement age to claim benefits, you'll receive a higher monthly payment.
• Work History: You need to have worked and paid into the Social Security system for a certain number of years. Generally, you must have earned 40 work credits (equivalent to 10 years of work). Your work history is tracked through the FICA taxes you pay on your earnings.
• Minimum Earnings: Each year, you earn up to four credits based on your income. In 2025, for example, you earn one credit for each $1,640 you make, up to the maximum of four credits per year.

If you meet these requirements, you are eligible to apply for Social Security retirement benefits.

Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI)

Social Security also provides benefits for individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. To qualify for SSDI, you must meet the following criteria:

• Work History: Generally, you need to have worked and paid into the Social Security system for a certain number of years, based on your age at the time of disability. Typically, you need 40 credits, with 20 of those earned in the last 10 years before your disability began.
• Disability Definition: Your disability must meet the SSA’s definition of disability, which means that your condition prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
• Medical Evidence: You must provide medical evidence that shows the severity of your disability and that it prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity.

If you meet these requirements, you can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is another program that provides financial assistance, but unlike SSDI, it is not based on your work history. Instead, it is need-based and helps individuals with low income and limited resources. To qualify for SSI, you must meet the following criteria:

• Disability or Age: You must be disabled, blind, or 65 years or older.
• Income Limits: SSI is a need-based program, so you must have limited income and resources. In 2025, the resource limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. Your income must also fall below a specific threshold.
• Citizenship and Residency: To qualify for SSI, you must be a U.S. citizen or qualifying noncitizen, and you must reside in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands.

If you meet these requirements, you can apply for SSI benefits.

Social Security Survivors Benefits

Social Security also provides benefits to family members of individuals who have passed away. Survivors can include:

• Spouse: A surviving spouse who is at least 60 years old (or 50 if disabled) and has been married to the deceased for at least 9 months may be eligible for survivor benefits.
• Children: Dependent children under the age of 18, or up to age 19 if they are still in high school, may be eligible. Children may also qualify if they are disabled.
• Ex-Spouse: A divorced spouse may qualify for benefits if the marriage lasted at least 10 years and they meet other requirements.

These benefits are provided to support family members who relied on the deceased's Social Security earnings.

Social Security Benefits for Spouses

If you are the spouse of a worker who qualifies for Social Security, you may be eligible for benefits based on your spouse’s work record. This includes:

• Spouse’s Retirement Benefits: You may receive up to 50% of your spouse’s full retirement benefit if you claim at full retirement age.
• Spouse’s Disability Benefits: If your spouse is disabled and qualifies for Social Security, you may be eligible for benefits as well.

In some cases, you may also be able to receive Social Security benefits as a spouse even if you have never worked or don’t meet the work credit requirement.

Social Security for Children and Dependents

Social Security also provides benefits for dependent children or disabled adult children (DAC). You may qualify for Social Security benefits if:

• You are the child of a worker who is receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits.
• You are under 18 years old, or 19 years old if you are a full-time student in high school.
• You are a disabled adult child who became disabled before the age of 22 and remain disabled.

In these cases, the children or dependent family members receive benefits based on the worker's earnings.

How to Apply for Social Security Benefits

To apply for Social Security benefits, you can:

• Apply online: The easiest and fastest way to apply for Social Security benefits is through the SSA’s online portal at www.ssa.gov.
• Apply by phone: You can apply for benefits by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.
• Apply in person: If you prefer, you can schedule an appointment at your local Social Security office.



Make sure to have all the necessary documentation, including your Social Security number, birth certificate, work history, and medical records (if applying for disability benefits).