ABA Family Legal Guide

The Rights of Older Americans

Social Security and Supplemental Security Income

Will my Social Security benefits be enough for me to live on?

You won't get as much as when you were working, so it is important to start financial planning for retirement early. Social Security was not set up to be a complete source of retirement income, but rather to provide a floor of protection. You probably will need other sources of income, such as a pension from your employer or union, a part-time job, or income from your life savings. Social Security benefits do rise with the cost of living.