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| Social Security retirement benefits | |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Type | Retirement income |
| Official name | Social Security retirement benefits (Old-Age and Survivors Insurance) |
| Run by | Social Security Administration (SSA) |
| Who it is for | People who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. |
| Eligibility | If you were born in 1929 or later, you need 40 credits, which is about 10 years of work. |
| What you get | A monthly payment based on your highest-earning years. Your personal estimate is on your Social Security Statement at ssa.gov/myaccount. |
| How to apply | Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. SSA suggests applying up to four months before you want benefits to start. |
| Official sources | Retirement benefits (SSA publication) How you earn credits (SSA publication) Full retirement age by year of birth my Social Security account |
| Last checked | 15 October 2026 |
Choose up to three items to compare from the government benefits or retirement products lists. Benefits are only compared with benefits, and products with products.