Social Security Administration

The United States Social Security Administration (SSA) administers a number of programs and services. Its website provides information and online applications for the following:

Social Security Cards/Numbers
Social security cards are needed to apply for a job. The number on the card is needed to receive SSA and other government benefits, file state and federal income taxes and other government paperwork, and may also be required for some legal documents and private services.

Retirement Benefits
Most workers have money withheld from their paychecks for Social Security retirement benefits. Your employer pays an additional amount. This money goes into a government retirement fund for which workers are eligible when they turn 62 years of age. The amount of retirement pay will depend on the worker’s earning history and the age at which he or she retires. Some types of employment, such as self-employment, do not generate Social Security retirement benefits. Surviving spouses may also receive benefits based on a worker’s Social Security earnings.

Medicare
Payroll deductions and employers also pay for Medicare, a government health insurance program for people 65 years and older. People who have a disability or certain medical conditions may also qualify. Medicare pays for some hospital, medical, and prescription drug costs.

Disability Benefits
SSA disability benefits for adults and children include the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Social Security Income (SSI) programs. For more information on SSA employment supports for persons with disabilities, see our A-Z Glossary entry for the Red Book. For more information on eligibility determinations for SSA disability programs, visit the SSA's page on Disability Evaluation Under Social Security (formerly known as the "Blue Book").

Other SSA Resources
The SSA web site offers a vast amount of additional information and resources. Users may estimate retirement benefits, check the status of SSA applications, appeal disability decisions, access SSA forms and publications, find a local Social Security office - and even research popular baby names.