Social Security

About Social Security

Social Security is a government-run program in the United States that provides a source of income for retirees, as well as for people who are disabled or the survivors of deceased workers. The program is funded through payroll taxes, and it is designed to provide a basic level of financial security for those who are no longer able to work.

To be eligible for Social Security benefits, an individual must have worked and paid into the Social Security system for a certain number of years. The amount of benefit that an individual receives is based on their earnings history, with higher earners receiving a higher benefit.

In general, people are eligible to receive Social Security retirement benefits when they reach the full retirement age, which is determined by their date of birth. The full retirement age is currently 66 for people born between 1943 and 1954, and it is gradually increasing to 67 for those born in 1960 or later. However, people can begin receiving reduced benefits as early as age 62, or they can choose to delay receiving benefits until after their full retirement age, in which case they will receive a higher benefit.

It is important to note that Social Security benefits are not intended to be the sole source of income for retirees. Rather, they are meant to supplement other sources of retirement income such as savings, investments, and pensions. It is important to plan for retirement and consider all sources of income that may be available to you.