Retirement Benefits
Monthly payments based on your lifetime earnings. You can claim as early as 62, but waiting until full retirement age — or age 70 — increases your monthly benefit significantly.
Social Security Guide 
Petitions Social Security Guide
Whether you're planning ahead or ready to claim, this guide walks you through everything you need to know
— in plain English, at your own pace.
Watch AMAC's webinar with the SSA on understanding your benefits and setting up your my Social Security account.
Social Security is more than a retirement check — it's a network of federal programs that provides income to workers and their families at every stage of life. Funded through payroll taxes, it's the foundation of financial security for millions of Americans.
Most people know Social Security for its retirement benefits, but the program also covers disability, survivors, and family members. Understanding what you're entitled to — and when to claim — can make a significant difference in your lifetime income.
Six key areas that shape your retirement security.
Monthly payments based on your lifetime earnings. You can claim as early as 62, but waiting until full retirement age — or age 70 — increases your monthly benefit significantly.
Income replacement if a medical condition prevents you from working. Requires sufficient work credits and a qualifying long-term or terminal disability.
Benefits paid to a spouse, ex-spouse, or dependent children after a worker's death. Widows and widowers can claim reduced benefits as early as age 60.
A current spouse can receive up to 50% of your benefit — even if they were never employed outside the home. Dependent children and qualifying ex-spouses may also be eligible.
Federal health insurance that begins at age 65. You'll enroll through Social Security, and timing matters — missing your window can trigger lifelong late-enrollment penalties.
Your personal dashboard to view earnings history, estimate future benefits, request replacement cards, and manage payments — all in one secure place.
Follow these five steps to access your earnings record, benefit estimates, and more.
Start by visiting www.ssa.gov/myaccount to create your account. Have your Social Security number, a valid email address, and a government-issued photo ID ready.
Launch my Social Security →Select either Login.gov or ID.me to create your secure federal credentials. Both are approved by the SSA — pick whichever you prefer.
Follow the prompts to confirm your identity and create your account. You'll provide personal details and may be asked to upload a photo of your ID.
Create your username, set up two-factor authentication, and review your security settings to keep your account safe.
View your earnings record, get personalized benefit estimates, apply for benefits, or manage existing payments — all from your dashboard.
Short, focused guides that show you exactly what to expect — so you can set up your account with confidence.
Learn how to pick between Login.gov and ID.me to access your my Social Security account.
How to create secure federal credentials through Login.gov, step by step.
Verify your identity with ID.me — what you'll need and how to complete the process.
Test your knowledge with six quick questions — you might be surprised by the answers.
Navigating Social Security doesn't have to be confusing. Whether you have a quick question or need step-by-step guidance, the team at the AMAC Foundation is ready to help — at no cost to you.
Fill out the form, give us a call, or visit our website to talk to an advisor. Beyond Social Security, our team can also help with questions about Medicare, retirement planning basics, and more.
Trusted links directly from the Social Security Administration.
Create or sign in to your official SSA account to view earnings, estimate benefits, and manage payments.
Open my Social Security →Tools, forms, and guides from the SSA specifically for financial advisors and retirement planners.
Visit SSA Resources →Quick answers to the questions AMAC members ask most about Social Security.
The earliest you can claim retirement benefits is age 62, but claiming early permanently reduces your monthly payment. Your full retirement age depends on your birth year (typically 66 or 67), and delaying until age 70 maximizes your monthly benefit.
Log in to your online my Social Security account to view personalized estimates based on your actual earnings history. The SSA also offers a variety of Retirement Calculators if you prefer a quick estimate.
Both are federally approved identity verification providers. Login.gov is a newer government-run service, while ID.me is a private company used by many federal agencies. Either will work to access my Social Security — pick the one you already use or find easiest to set up.
Yes. A current spouse may receive up to 50% of your benefit once you claim, and ex-spouses married to you for at least 10 years may also qualify. Spousal benefits do not reduce your own payment.
Yes, but if you claim before full retirement age and earn above the annual limit, your benefits may be temporarily reduced. Once you reach full retirement age, there's no earnings limit — you can work as much as you want without affecting your monthly payment.
Possibly. If you have other income in addition to Social Security, up to 85% of your benefits may be subject to federal income tax. State taxation varies — some states tax benefits, many do not.