Social Security is a U.S. government program that provides monthly financial support to people at different times in their lives. It is meant to help people meet basic needs like housing, food, and healthcare.

Social Security helps:

People who are retired
People with disabilities who cannot work
Family members and survivors, such as spouses and children, when a worker retires, becomes disabled, or dies

When people say Social Security, they are usually referring to money that they get in the form of a monthly social security check. It is also sometimes called benefits, Social Security Income, or Social Security Benefits.

The program is run by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA:

Decides who qualifies for benefits
Determines how much money people receive
Sends monthly payments
Issues Social Security numbers and cards

A Brief History of Social Security

Social Security began in 1935 with the Social Security Act, signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

It was first created to support older adults after retirement
Over time, it expanded to include disability benefits and survivors’ benefits
Today, it supports millions of people and families across the country

How Social Security Works

Most Social Security programs are funded through payroll taxes
Workers and employers pay these taxes while someone is working
The money goes into trust funds
Those funds are used to pay monthly benefits to people who qualify

Some benefits are based on work history, while others are based on financial need.

Types of Social Security Benefits

There are different Social Security programs depending on a person’s situation.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI provides monthly financial support to people who have very limited income and resources.

Key things to know:

You do not need to have worked to qualify
SSI is based on financial need, not work history
It is run by the Social Security Administration (SSA)

Who SSI Helps:

You may qualify for SSI if:

You have very low income and limited savings or assets
You are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability
Children with disabilities may also qualify

SSI is meant to help pay for basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter.

The amount you receive depends on your income, living situation, and resources.

*Learn more about eligibility for SSI here.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSDI provides monthly income to people who can’t work because of a disability and who have a work history.

Key things to know:

SSDI is based on work credits earned through jobs that paid Social Security taxes
It is not based on income or savings
The disability must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death

Who SSDI Helps:

You may qualify for SSDI if:

You have worked and paid Social Security taxes
You have a disability that prevents you from working
You meet SSA rules for work credits and medical eligibility

Your monthly benefit amount is based on how much you earned while working.

*Learn more about eligibility for SSDI here.

Disabled Adult Child (DAC) Benefits

Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits help adults with disabilities who are the child of a parent who paid into Social Security.

Key things to know:

The person may be over 18
The disability must have started before age 22
Benefits are based on the parent’s work record

Who DAC Benefits Help:

You may qualify if:

You have a disability that began before age 22
You are the child of a parent who worked and paid Social Security taxes
Your parent is retired, disabled, or deceased

*Learn more about eligibility for DAC/Family benefits here.

Social Security Retirement Benefits

Retirement benefits provide monthly income to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes over time.

Key things to know:

You earn work credits while working
You can start benefits as early as age 62
Monthly payments are higher if you wait until full retirement age (usually 66–67)

Who Retirement Benefits Help:

You may qualify if: