By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist
Social Security has your entire family in mind when it comes to coverage and benefits. We’re here to help everyone in the family— during every stage of life.
Most people think of retirement benefits when they think about Social Security, and that certainly is a big part of what we do. In fact, most of the benefits we pay go to retirees and their families—about 41 million people, but Social Security is more than retirement.
If you work and pay Social Security taxes during your lifetime, you can look forward to a strong foundation of income in retirement from Social Security. Of course, Social Security was never intended to be your sole source of retirement income but a foundation upon which you build with pensions, savings, and other income.
For those that become disabled before reaching retirement age, Social Security has you covered with disability benefits. If you have a disability that is expected to last a year or longer, or result in death, you should apply for disability benefits.
Your work and taxes cover not only you, but your entire family. Family benefits can include retirement, disability and, in the event of your death, survivors benefits. This coverage includes everyone in your family who depends on you for support, such as your minor children who are under age 18, or age 19 if still in secondary school, as well as your spouse. It also can include older children who have severe disabilities that began before age 22.
If you want to learn more about how Social Security benefits the younger members of your family, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/youngpeople. This page has information for you even if you don’t have children and are a young worker yourself.
Want to learn more? Read or listen to the publication, Understanding the Benefits, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.
Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You can write her c/o Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp St NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email at vonda.vantil@ssa.gov
