Bars 2 Bridges

Different Types of Social Security Benefits

Paid monthly to people who have worked and paid into Social Security for at least 10 years.
You can start receiving benefits as early as age 62, but the full amount is available at your full retirement age (usually around 66–67, depending on birth year).
The longer you wait (up to age 70), the higher your monthly benefit will be.

For people who cannot work due to a serious, long-term disability.
You must have worked and paid into Social Security long enough to qualify.
You must also meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disabled.

Paid to family members (like a spouse or children) of a worker who dies.
This includes:
- Widows or widowers (as early as age 60, or earlier if disabled or caring for children)
- Children under 18 (or 19 if in high school)
- Dependent parents (age 62+)

Separate from regular Social Security, but often managed by the same agency.
Provides financial help to low-income individuals who are elderly, blind, or disabled.
Funded by general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes.

Dependent or auxiliary benefits are paid to family members of someone receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits.
These benefits do not reduce the amount the primary beneficiary receives.
Spouses may qualify:
- At age 62 or older, or
- At any age if caring for a child under 16 or a disabled child.
Children may qualify if:
- Under age 18,
- Up to age 19 if still in high school, or
- Disabled before age 22.
Divorced spouses may qualify:
- If the marriage lasted 10 years or more,
- They are age 62 or older, and
- They are currently unmarried.
Family members may receive up to 50% of the worker’s full benefit amount.
There is a maximum family limit (usually 150%–180% of the main benefit); if exceeded, individual amounts may be reduced.