Since 1999, the Social Security Administration has sent annual benefit statements to workers aged 25 and older who are eligible for benefits. These statements detail the benefit amounts for retirement or disability, as well as for dependents in the event of the worker’s death.
Benefit Categories
Social Security provides benefits in five key categories, funded by contributions from both workers and employers:
- Retirement
- Disability
- Family
- Survivors
- Medicare
As workers earn credits throughout their careers, their actual earnings determine the benefit amounts they or their dependents will receive.
To help estimate potential benefits, the Social Security Administration offers an online benefits calculator. This tool provides estimates similar to those found in the annual benefit statements.