Social Security retirement benefits aren't automatic. You can apply up to four months before you want them to start. Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising ...

There are several important decisions to make about your Social Security benefits. You decide how many years you work and which jobs you work at. You also choose when you sign up. All these choices ...

Your age at sign up will dictate the size of your Social Security benefit. Spouses can coordinate their claiming strategies ...

The overall award rate for Social Security disability benefits was at a near-record low of 31 percent in 2023.

The benefits provide important economic support for older people who cannot work. The White House recently halted changes to ...

Don't unnecessarily delay or reduce your Social Security benefits because you don't know all the rules and requirements.

You may think you've done all you can to maximize your Social Security benefits. You worked hard for decades. You increased your income over your career. Now you're staring at the application screen ...

Many people are mentally ready to start receiving Social Security checks long before they become eligible for them at 62. But wanting checks and actually applying for them are two separate things. If ...

The last Social Security benefit of 2025 will be dispersed this week, and January's SSI check comes next week. Learn how the holidays will impact payment schedules.

For those approaching retirement, there are several steps to take before applying for Social Security benefits. Pre-retirees should be familiar with the benefit options available to them and ...