SOCIAL SECURITY Index

SOCIAL SECURITY

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* Social Security Overview *

Social Security's retirement program has been a basic part of American life for more than 65 years. Get a handle on your benefits and how the system works here.

Amounts of Benefits

The amount of your Social Security benefit is based on your date of birth, the type of benefit you apply for and, most importantly, your lifetime earnings. Read more about it here.

Benefits Available to You

Social Security is intended to serve as replacement income in the event of (a) retirement (b) injury/disability or (c) death. See who else in your family is eligible for your benefits, and get a grasp on the basic requirements to begin collecting.

Benefits May Be Taxable

Some people who get Social Security will have to pay taxes on their benefits. You'll be affected only if you have substantial income in addition to your Social Security benefits.

Bigger Benefits by Additional Work

Some people continue to work full time beyond their full retirement age--and they don't sign up for Social Security until later. This delay in retirement can increase your Social Security benefit - find out more here.

Credits Necessary for Retirement and Survivor Benefits

Depending on your year of birth, you must earn a certain amount of credits before you are eligible for "fully insured" status. Read this for more details.

Earned Income After Social Security Starts

You can continue to work and receive full retirement benefits. Learn how it affects your benefits here.

Estimating Retirement Benefits

This page gives you estimated monthly Social Security payments as of 2003.

How Members Earn Credit

To qualify for benefits, you earn "credits" through your work--up to four each year. Get the scoop on earning your credits here.

Insurance Coverage

Wonder how you become fully insured? Read this to find out.

Lump-Sum Death Payment

When you die, certain members of your family may be eligible for benefits on your Social Security record if you earned enough credits while you were working. There is also the Special One-Time Death Benefit (Lump Sum). Read more about these benefits here.

Medicare

This page provides a general overview of Medicare and its two programs - Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance).

Payments into Social Security Trust Funds

Since 1957, if you had military service earnings for active duty (including active duty for training), you paid Social Security taxes on those earnings and they are on your record. Learn how your military service contributes to your Social Security fund.

Reduced Benefits as Early as 62

No matter what your "full" retirement age is, you may start receiving benefits as early as age 62 - however, your benefits will be reduced if you retire early. Find out the details here.

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