Social Security is a federal program based on the Social Security Act that was signed into law over sixty years ago. The goal of Social Security is to provide protection against financial problems related to disability, death and retirement. Most people in the United States are paying Social Security taxes, receiving Social Security benefits or are related to someone who is.

Social Security is based on a simple idea. People work and pay taxes. When they retire or become disabled, they, their spouse and their dependent children will receive monthly benefits based on their earnings. Survivors may also collect death benefits.

Employees and employers contribute funds into a person's social security or FICA account. Usually, if a person has contributed to a Social Security account for 10 years or more, they will be eligible for benefits. The amount of benefits a person receives is determined by:

• their age, and location,
• their total earnings and contributions, and
• the type of benefits they apply for.

Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, is another type of Social Security program sponsored by the Federal Government. In it, funds from general taxes assist persons who have:

• limited assets,
• a low income,
• U.S. citizenship, or are living in the Mariana Islands,
• reached 65 years of age, or are blind or disabled.

SSI payment amounts vary from state to state. Children as well as adults can get SSI benefits because of disability or blindness. Additional state programs and services, such as food stamps, meal assistance and transportation may be available. It is important to contact your local Social Security office as soon as possible if you become disabled, because there is often a waiting period before payments start.

To find out if you or your loved ones are eligible for Social Security benefits, call (800) 772-1213.

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