Social Security was developed to provide protection for retired workers and workers and their families who suffer loss of income due to disability or death. There are three types of Social Security benefits available: Survivor benefits paid to the family of deceased workers; disability benefits paid to persons who are no longer able to work due to their disability; and retirement benefits paid to retired workers.
You are entitled to Social Security benefits one of three ways: If you or your spouse retires; if you are a dependant of someone who becomes disabled or dies; or if you become disabled.
Full Retirement Benefits
Full retirement benefits begin at age 65, though reduced retirement benefits can be drawn beginning at age 62. Social Security retirement benefits are available to anyone who has worked long enough to meet the eligibility rules.
Survivor Benefits
Survivor benefits can be paid to the deceased spouse’s widow or widower as full benefits at age 65 or older or reduced benefits as early as age 60. A disabled widow or widower can get benefits at 50-60. A widow or widower can claim benefits at any age if she or he takes care of a child who is under 16 or is disabled and receives benefits. Unmarried children under 18 (or up to age 19 if they are attending elementary or secondary school full time) can also receive survivor benefits. Under certain circumstances, benefits also can be paid to your stepchildren, grandchildren, or adopted children. If you've been divorced, your former wife or husband can get benefits under the same circumstances as your widow or widower if your marriage lasted 10 years or more. Your former spouse, however, does not have to meet the length-of-marriage rule if she or he is caring for your child who is under 16 or disabled and who is also receiving benefits on your Social Security record. The child must be your former spouse's natural or legally adopted child.
Disability Benefits
Disability benefits are benefits received from the Social Security Administration by disabled workers and in some cases, their dependant children. Social Security Disability benefits are available regardless of your age if you are found to be disabled under the Social Security Administration guidelines. In addition, if you are disabled your family members may qualify for benefits as your dependants. Children under 18 and some disabled adult children may be eligible if one of their parents receives disability benefits or is deceased.