Types of Social Security Benefits
Social Security provides benefits to various types of individuals. Below is an overview of the eligible beneficiaries. For specific eligibility details, contact your local Social Security office.
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| Social Security Benefits |
Retired Workers
- Eligibility: Worked in covered employment long enough to qualify for benefits and is at least 62 years old.
- Benefits: Full benefits (equal to the "primary insurance amount") are available at the normal retirement age, with maximum benefits payable at age 70.
Spouses of Retired Workers
- Eligibility:
- Must have a child under 16 or a disabled child in their care, OR
- Be at least 62 years old.
- Applies to divorced spouses if the marriage lasted 10 years or more.
Children of Retired Workers
Eligible under the three types of child beneficiary categories listed below.
Children of Deceased Workers
Eligible under the same categories as children of retired workers (see below).
Aged Widow(er)s
- Eligibility: Must be at least 60 years old.
Young Widow(er)s
- Eligibility: Must have a child under 16 or a disabled child in their care.
Disabled Widow(er)s
- Eligibility:
- Must be at least 50 years old and disabled.
- Benefits convert to aged widow(er) benefits at age 65.
Parents of Deceased Workers
- Eligibility: Must have been financially dependent on the deceased worker and be at least 62 years old.
Disabled Workers
- Eligibility: Worked in covered employment long enough to qualify and was recently employed before the disability onset.
Spouses of Disabled Workers
- Eligibility:
- Must have a child under 16 or a disabled child in their care, OR
- Be at least 62 years old.
- Applies to divorced spouses if the marriage lasted 10 years or more.
Children of Disabled Workers
Eligible under the three types of child beneficiary categories listed below.
Types of Child Beneficiaries
- Minor Child: Under 18 years old.
- Adult Disabled Before Age 22: Must meet specific disability criteria.
- High School Student: Under 19 years old.
For more details or assistance, visit your local Social Security office.