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.

How much of my income will Social Security replace?

Most people need about 70% to 80% of the income they had before retirement to live comfortably. Social Security usually covers only about 40%. That means you may need other money to fill the gap. That money might come from personal retirement savings, an employer pension (if you have one), or wages from part-time work.

To stretch your retirement budget, you can check if you’re eligible for benefits programs that can help you afford basics like food, utilities, and medical care. Visit the BenefitsCheckUp home page and enter your ZIP code to get started.

When can I start getting Social Security benefits?

Most people can start getting money at age 62 or older. While that may sound good, collecting Social Security this early means smaller checks for life. Your monthly benefit may be up to 30% lower than if you wait until full retirement age (usually between 66 and 67).

If you wait until your full retirement age to collect benefits, you will get your full monthly amount. If you wait even longer than that, your check grows—about 8% more each year, up to age 70.

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. As of January 2026, the average Social Security monthly payment for retired workers was $2,071.

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.

If you can pay your bills with part-time work, savings, or a spouse’s income for a few more years, delaying Social Security may be a good idea. Waiting means higher monthly checks for life, which can make it easier to handle rising costs and money ups and downs.

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. That money will be taken out of your monthly payment.

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

If you are receiving Social Security benefits when you turn 65, your monthly Medicare Part B premium will also be subtracted from your benefit payment.

How can I learn more?

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