Social Security provides variety of benefits

Next payday, when you see a portion of your wages go toward FICA taxes, know that your investment in Social Security brings a lifetime of protection. You, your spouse and children may become eligible for these benefits:

Retirement benefits provide you with a continuous income. If you’ve earned enough credits, you can start receiving your full retirement benefits at age 66 or 67 — depending on when you were born. You may choose to claim these benefits as early as age 62 at a permanently reduced rate, but waiting until after your full retirement age increases your benefit amount by up to 8 percent per year to age 70; social security.gov/planners/retire.

Disability benefits offer a financial lifeline if you’re struck by a serious medical condition that makes it impossible for you to work and is expected to last at least one year or to result in death; socialsecurity.gov/disability.

Child benefits support your minor children while you’re receiving retirement benefits or disability benefits. This support also is available to adult children who become disabled before age 22. Grandchildren and step- children may qualify; social security.gov/people/kids.

Spousal benefits supplement a couple’s income if one of the two never worked or had low earnings. This benefit may be available to divorced spouses; social security.gov/planners/retire/ applying6.html.

Survivor benefits ease the burden on your loved ones after you die by providing monthly payments to eligi- ble widows, widowers, children and dependent parents; socialsecurity.gov/survivors.