What is Social Security Retirement?

Social Security Retirement is a program run by the federal government. It gives you a monthly payment after you retire. 

People usually call this “Social Security." It’s different from SSI and SSDI, which are disability and income-based programs.

Most workers pay into Social Security through taxes taken from their paychecks. When you retire, you get money back based on what you earned during your working years. 

On average, social security retirement replaces about 40% of what you used to earn. Most people also need savings or other income.

How do I qualify?

You qualify for Social Security retirement benefits based on your age, your work history, and your earnings.

Age

• You can start benefits at age 62. Your monthly payment will be smaller for life.
• You get your full benefit at your “Full Retirement Age” (FRA). For most people, this is age 66 or 67, depending on the year you were born.
• If you wait until age 70, you get your largest monthly payment.

Work credits

To qualify, you need 40 work credits.

• You can earn up to 4 credits a year.
• It usually takes about 10 years of work to get 40 credits.
• The amount you need to earn for a credit changes each year. For example, in 1980 you needed to earn $290 for one credit. In 2025, you needed to earn $1,810 for a credit. 

What work counts?

You only earn credits from work where Social Security taxes were taken out. Work paid in cash "under the table" does not count.

Some jobs have special rules so make sure to check your situation:

• Farming
• Domestic work
• Some nonprofit or religious jobs
• Some state and local government jobs
   

You may still qualify even if your own work record is limited:

• Spouses: You may get up to 50% of your spouse’s full benefit.
• Divorced spouses: You may qualify if the marriage lasted at least 10 years and you are now unmarried.
• Survivors: Widows and widowers may get benefits based on a spouse’s record.

How much Social Security will I get?

Your monthly benefit depends on three things:

1. How long you worked. More years of earnings can increase your benefit.
2. How much you earned over your lifetime. Social Security uses your 35 highest-earning years.
3. The age you start your benefits. Starting at 62 gives you a smaller payment for life–often 25-30% lower. Starting at Full Retirement Age (FRA) gives you your full amount. Waiting until 70 gives you the largest payment. Your payment grows about 8% each year you delay past your FRA.

The Social Security Administration website has calculators to help you understand your options.

Depending on your total income, you may owe federal income tax on part of your Social Security benefits. When you apply, you can choose to have taxes taken out of your monthly payment, so you don't owe money at tax time.

If you are 65 or older when you apply, you may be signed up for Medicare Part A and Part B. Medicare premiums can be taken directly from your Social Security payments. 

Should you take benefits early or wait?

The age you start Social Security makes a big difference. It’s worth taking a little time to understand how your choice will affect your long-term income.

Reasons to start early (62–FRA)

• You need the money now
• Your health makes it likely you’ll want income sooner
• You are no longer working
• You don’t expect to live long based on personal or family health history

Reasons to wait until FRA or later

• You want a bigger monthly check for life
• You are still working
• You’re in good health and expect a long retirement
• You want to maximize survivor benefits for a spouse

How do I apply?

You can apply up to 4 months before you want your payments to begin. There are three ways to apply:

1. Online at SSA.gov
   1. This is the quickest option.
   2. You need a mySocialSecurity account.
   3. Most people finish the form in 10–30 minutes.
2. By phone
   1. Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
   2. You’ll schedule an appointment, which may take several weeks.
3. In person
   1. Contact your local Social Security office to set an appointment.

What you need to apply

Have as many of the following ready as you can:

• Birth certificate or other proof of age
• Social Security number
  Proof of citizenship or immigration status (if needed)
• Marriage or divorce documents (if applying on a spouse’s record)
• Recent W-2 or tax return
   

If you’re missing something, you can still apply. Social Security may help you get the documents.

After you apply

Social Security reviews your application and might ask you for more information. Once you’re approved, payments usually start about 6 weeks later. You receive money by direct deposit or a debit card.

If you applied online, you can check your application status through your mySocialSecurity account.

What to do if you’re denied

If Social Security denies your retirement claim, don’t panic. Many people fix the problem by appealing. An appeal is when you ask Social Security to look at your case again. You have four steps you can use, but most people don’t need all of them.

Appeal before the deadline on your denial letter. You can appeal online at SSA.gov, by calling Social Security (+1 800-772-1213), or by visiting your local office. 

Where to get help

• SSA.gov: Tools, calculators, and FAQs
• Social Security phone line: 1-800-772-1213. Call if you’re having payment issues or have questions.
• Your local Social Security office: Call ahead for an appointment.
• Your local Agency on Aging: They programs and services for older adults and their caretakers.
• Trusted friends or family: They can help you complete your application.