Social Security is part of the retirement plan for almost every American worker. It provides replacement income for qualified retirees and their families. This section of our website helps you better understand the program, the application process, and the online tools and resources available to you.

How does Social Security work retired?

We base Social Security benefits on your lifetime earnings. We adjust or “index” your actual earnings to account for changes in average wages since the year the earnings were received. Then, Social Security calculates your average indexed monthly earnings during the 35 years in which you earned the most.

Can a retired person also collect Social Security disability?

If you do collect SSDI disability benefits, they will be converted to retirement benefits when you reach full retirement age. The only exception is for an individual who took early retirement through Social Security, which is possible at 62, before being approved for disability benefits. Disabled before early retirement benefits start.

What is the full retirement age for Social Security?

For people born in 1943 or later, the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines full retirement age (FRA) as between 66 and 67. If you haven’t yet reached your full retirement age, working could temporarily reduce your Social Security benefits. Consider the following:

Do you reduce your Social Security benefits when you retire?

Generally, we do not reduce your Social Security benefits because of your military benefits. For Social Security retirement benefits, we use the individual’s highest 35 years of earnings to compute monthly benefit amount. However, if you decide to get benefits before your full retirement age, they will be reduced.

What happens to your social security when you retire part time?

If you plan on working part-time during early retirement, you may find your Social Security benefits reduced. The reduction is based on something called the Social Security earnings limit and it only applies if you have not yet reached full retirement age.