Social Security is the strongest pillar of the U.S. retirement system. Nearly every American pays into the Social Security system, guaranteeing them a steady stream of benefits in retirement. As of ...

Your Social Security benefits are primarily based on your lifetime earnings. To qualify for retirement benefits, you must earn a minimum number of credits. For those born after January 2, 1929, 40 ...

Disability is an essential financial support program for individuals who are no longer able to work due to a medical ...

As retirement nears, you may be wondering when to start taking Social Security payments. These benefits are primarily based on your earnings during your working years and your age when you start ...

Dear Liz: A while back, you responded to a letter writer that Social Security’s estimates of the amount a person will receive assumes the person will continue working until they apply for benefits. I ...

Social Security benefits are based on a formula that considers your income during your 35 highest-earning years. You can claim benefits early at 62 or delay until 70 to increase the monthly amount.