ABA Family Legal Guide

The Rights of Older Americans

Social Security and Supplemental Security Income

What types of Social Security benefits are available?

Qualified workers are eligible for old-age and disability benefits. Benefits are also available for the spouse and dependents of a retired or disabled worker. When a worker dies, members of the surviving family who qualify can collect the benefits.

Social Security is the United States' most extensive program to provide income for older and disabled Americans. It is paid for by a tax on workers and their employers. The program is complicated, and the law and the regulations change from time to time.