The Dictionary of Social Security

Family benefits. Benefits that go to a living wage earner’s spouse and children based on that person’s earnings record. Also known as auxiliary benefits.

Family maximum. The ceiling on benefits that can be paid collectively to family members of a wage earner on that person’s earnings record, including retirement, disability, spousal, children’s or survivor benefits. Also known as the maximum family benefit.

If the wage earner of record is retired or deceased, the family maximum will range from 150 to 188 percent of the wage earner’s primary insurance amount. For a worker with a disability, it is between 100 and 150 percent of the primary insurance amount.

FICA tax. The payroll tax that funds Social Security and Medicare, levied under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA). The Social Security portion is 12.4 percent of gross wages up to an annually adjusted cap (for 2026, it's $184,500). The Medicare portion is 2.9 percent of all earnings. Employees and employers each pay half.

File and suspend. A now-defunct strategy for married couples to maximize benefits. It allowed a spouse to receive family benefits on the record of a mate who had claimed but then voluntarily suspended their own retirement benefit. In this way, the couple could receive some Social Security income while both spouses earned delayed retirement credits to boost their eventual retirement benefits.

The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 outlawed this practice. Retired workers can still suspend their monthly payments, but their mates cannot draw spousal benefits during the suspension period.

Full retirement age (FRA). The age at which you become entitled to your full retirement benefit, as calculated from your earnings history (or to the full spouse or survivor benefit calculated from a family member’s earnings record). Claiming Social Security before you reach FRA reduces your benefit.

The full retirement age is based on your year of birth. For retirement and spouse benefits, it is 66 and 10 months for people born in 1959 and 67 for those born in 1960 and after. FRA differs for survivor benefits — it is 66 and 6 months for surviving spouses born in 1959 and gradually increases to 67 for those born in 1962 and later.

Full retirement benefit (FRB). The benefit you receive at full retirement age. It equals 100 percent of your primary insurance amount. Retirement benefits increase if claimed after full retirement age, up to age 70.

G

Gainful activity. Work you do for pay. The Social Security Administration annually sets a dollar amount of gainful activity it considers “substantial.” If you earn more, you cannot collect disability benefits (except in limited circumstances involving efforts to return to the labor force). The threshold for substantial gainful activity in 2026 is $1,690 per month ($2,830 for people who are blind).

Government Pension Offset (GPO). A defunct Social Security rule that reduced the spouse, ex-spouse or survivor benefits you could receive on another person’s work record if you received a pension from a government job in which he or she did not pay FICA taxes. The GPO was in effect from 1983 to 2024, when Congress repealed it as part of the Social Security Fairness Act.

H

Hearing. An appeal, usually before an administrative law judge, of a decision by the Social Security Administration on a benefit matter. If an adverse ruling is going to be reversed, it is most likely to happen at this stage of the review process.

I

Insured status. Social Security’s term for whether you qualify for benefits based on your work history (specifically, on earning credits for income on which you paid Social Security taxes). Generally, you are “fully insured” at 40 Social Security credits — the level needed to qualify for retirement benefits for yourself and family and survivor benefits for your loved ones.

In some circumstances, the widow or widower and children of a worker who dies with “currently insured status” (as few as six credits) may collect a form of survivor benefits. (See “mother’s or father’s benefit.”)

International Social Security Agreement. A U.S. agreement with another country to coordinate Social Security with the comparable social insurance system in that country. Also called “totalization agreements,” these pacts ensure that:

• Americans working in those countries (and people from those countries working in the U.S.) do not pay Social Security taxes in both places on the same income.
• Workers in this situation can combine credits from both countries if necessary to qualify for Social Security.

Currently, the U.S. has such agreements with 30 countries.

L

Listing of impairments. An official compilation of severe medical conditions that enable an individual to qualify for Social Security disability benefits. The listing of impairments makes up the bulk of the Blue Book.

Lump-sum death payment. Sometimes called a death benefit, a one-time payment of $255 to the spouse or, in some cases, child of a Social Security–covered worker who dies. The survivor must file for the lump-sum death benefit within two years of the worker’s death.

M

Marriage. A legal marriage, in which one spouse (or ex-spouse) is entitled to collect Social Security benefits on the earnings record of another. This includes same-sex marriages and may include state-recognized common-law marriages.

Maximum family benefit. The ceiling on benefits that can be paid collectively to family members of a wage earner on that person’s earnings record, including retirement, disability, spousal, children’s or survivor benefits. Also known as the family maximum.

If the wage earner of record is retired or deceased, the family maximum will be between 150 and 188 percent of that person’s primary insurance amount. If the primary wage earner is receiving disability benefits, the family maximum is 100 to 150 percent of their primary insurance amount.

Maximum taxable earnings. Also known as the contribution and benefit base, this is the amount of a person’s yearly gross income that is subject to Social Security taxes, and the maximum amount of earnings that can be counted in the Social Security benefit calculation. The figure is adjusted annually based on national wage trends; in 2026 it is $184,500.

Medicaid. A health insurance program for individuals and families with low incomes, primarily funded by the federal government but largely run by the states. In most states, people receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are automatically eligible for Medicaid.

Medicare. A U.S. government health care program primarily serving individuals 65 and older. Younger people can qualify if they suffer from end-stage renal disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for at least two years. The Social Security Administration manages Medicare enrollment.

Medicare has four parts:

• Medicare Part A (hospital insurance)
• Medicare Part B (medical insurance, including doctors' visits and outpatient care)
• Medicare Part C (better known as Medicare Advantage, private plans that cover everything in parts A and B and may offer additional coverage)
• Medicare Part D (prescription-drug coverage)

Month of election. In a claim for retirement, spouse or widow(er) benefits, the month an applicant chooses for payments to begin.

Mother’s or father’s benefit. A form of survivor benefits available to the spouse (or divorced spouse) of a deceased wage earner who is caring for children of that worker who are under age 16 or have a disability.

My Social Security. An online account you can set up at the Social Security website and use to check your earnings history, get estimates of future benefits, and access services such as requesting a replacement Social Security card or changing direct deposit information for monthly payments. You do not need to be collecting benefits to open a My Social Security account.

N

National Average Wage Index. A measure of wage trends calculated by Social Security and used to annually update the earnings limit, maximum taxable earnings and other key figures that determine benefit eligibility and payment amounts.

Non-covered employment. Work for an employer that did not withhold Social Security taxes from your wages. The vast majority of U.S. workplaces are covered, but some state and local government offices are not, nor is work in most other countries.

Number holder. The individual upon whose lifetime earnings a claim for benefits is made, including claims by spouses and other dependents. Also known as a wage earner, worker or breadwinner.

O

Offset. A reduction in Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments if the recipient is also collecting workers’ compensation or some other form of public disability benefit. Under federal rules, SSDI and workers’ comp combined cannot exceed 80 percent of the recipient’s average earnings from their prior employment; if they do, the offset is applied to get the combined benefits below the cap.

Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance (OASDI). The formal name for Social Security, encompassing benefits for retirees, people with disabilities, dependent family members and survivors.

Onset date. The beginning date for a disability under Social Security’s definition — that is, when a medical condition prevents you from working. When it approves a claim for disability benefits, Social Security determines the “established onset date” and uses it to determine when payments should start.

Overpayment notice. Formal notification from the SSA that, by its accounting, you have been paid more in benefits than you’re entitled to receive and are obligated to pay it back. You may challenge an overpayment notice by filing a request for reconsideration; you can also ask Social Security to waive recovery of the debt due to financial hardship.

P

Presumptive disability. A finding by Social Security that Supplemental Security Income (SSI) applicants who have certain severe medical conditions or are terminally ill are likely to have their claims approved and can receive up to six months of payments while awaiting a formal decision.

Primary insurance amount (PIA). An amount equal to your Social Security benefit at full retirement age. The PIA, sometimes called the basic benefit, is derived from your average indexed monthly earnings by a progressive formula — that is, one weighted to provide proportionally higher benefits to lower-income workers.

Program Operations Manual System (POMS). The primary guide for Social Security Administration employees in making determinations about benefits. Most of it is publicly available online.

Progressivity. The feature of Social Security’s benefit calculation that makes payments relatively more generous for low earners than for high earners by replacing a greater share of their work income. Progressivity is achieved mainly through the formula used to calculate the primary insurance amount.

Protective filing date. The date you contact the SSA about submitting a benefit application. It is the same as the actual filing date. The protective filing date may help you gain back benefits if much time passes before you complete and file the application. Applications for retirement, disability and other Social Security benefits must be completed within six months of the protected filing date; for Supplemental Security Income, the term is 60 days.

R

Reconsideration. The first step in challenging an adverse decision on an application for benefits. It involves a review by a Social Security official who was not involved in the initial denial of your claim and is usually required before you can request a hearing with an administrative law judge.

Red Book. A comprehensive guide to employment opportunities open to people with disabilities who are receiving benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs.

Reduction factor. The monthly amount by which Social Security payments can be reduced if claimed before full retirement age.

Replacement rate. The percentage of pre-retirement earnings replaced by Social Security benefits. It is about 40 percent for average earners, more for low earners and less for high earners.

Representative payee. An individual or organization authorized to receive and manage Social Security payments on behalf of someone who is unable to do so. Representative payees must use those payments exclusively to meet the beneficiary’s needs, keep records of how the money is spent and save any unspent portion on the beneficiary’s behalf.

Residual functional capacity. An individual’s remaining ability to function in the workplace, despite the limitations of a physical or mental condition. This can be an important factor in Social Security’s assessment of whether that person can work or has a disability that qualifies them for benefits.

Restricted application. A method of applying for one type of Social Security benefit and excluding others for which you may also be eligible. In general, an application filed with Social Security covers all benefits for which you qualify. Restricted applications are most common when the choice is between retirement and survivor benefits; there are tight limits on using them to pick between retirement and spouse benefits.

Retirement benefits. Payments to workers who’ve earned Social Security retirement coverage, starting as early as age 62. The SSA sometimes calls such payments retirement insurance benefits (RIB) or retired-worker benefits.

Retroactive benefits. Social Security payments predating your application for benefits. Retroactive payments are often available to people with disabilities and in some circumstances to retirees who are past full retirement age and to certain dependents.

S

Security Authentication PIN (SAP). A method used by the Social Security Administration in some cases to verify the identity of callers to the SSA’s national customer service number (800-772-1213). If the caller has an online My Social Security account, the SSA may request that they use the account to generate a one-time personal identification number to confirm identity.

SECA tax. Short for the Self-Employment Contribution Act, this is the tax on work income levied on self-employed people to fund Social Security and Medicare. The Social Security portion is 12.4 percent of net earnings from self-employment up to a yearly cap known as maximum taxable earnings ($184,500 in 2026). The Medicare portion is 2.9 percent on all net earnings — there is no cap.

Social insurance. An idea, imported from Europe, that national governments can incorporate insurance principles into programs that provide a level of financial security for most or all members of society.

Social Security Act. The 1935 federal law that established Social Security. The original legislation introduced payments for retirees and the unemployed, among other provisions. Major amendments in later years added benefits for workers’ dependent family members and survivors and for people with disabilities.

Social Security Administration (SSA). The federal agency that runs Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and enrollment in Medicare parts A and B. The SSA is headquartered just outside Baltimore and maintains more than 1,200 field offices in communities across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories.

Social Security credits. Formerly known as quarters of coverage, Social Security credits are units that count toward qualification for benefits, based on earnings in covered employment — a job or self-employment in which you paid Social Security taxes.

The amount of each unit is adjusted annually based on trends in wage growth. In 2026, you receive one credit for $1,890 in covered earnings. You can earn up to four credits per year. You must have at least 40 credits to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Monthly payments available to people who are unable to work due to disability, and to members of their families. As with retirement benefits, SSDI is funded by Social Security taxes, and payments are calculated based on the recipient’s earnings record.

Social Security Handbook. A comprehensive guide to Social Security and its regulations, written for the public and available online.

Social Security number (SSN). A nine-digit identifier issued by the SSA to track workers’ earnings history and eligibility for benefits. Typically assigned in infancy when parents apply for a newborn’s birth certificate, SSNs also serve as verification of identity for numerous government, work and financial transactions, such as paying taxes, accessing services and opening bank and credit accounts. Formerly sorted geographically, new numbers are now assigned randomly under a system adopted in 2011.

Social Security statement. A personal summary of your Social Security insured status, earnings history and projected future payments. You can view your Social Security statement online anytime if you have a My Social Security account. If you do not have one, Social Security will mail you a statement three months before your 60th birthday and continues to do so annually until you claim your benefits.

Social Security trust funds. Separate accounts in the U.S. Treasury that hold the taxes collected under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) and the Self-Employment Contributions Act (SECA), and from which Social Security benefits are paid. There are two such funds: the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) Trust Fund and the Disability Insurance (DI) Trust Fund.

Special earnings limit rule. An exception to Social Security’s earnings test, which subjects beneficiaries below full retirement age to a reduction of benefits if they continue to work and their income exceeds a certain yearly threshold.

The normal earnings test is based on full-year income. The special rule allows Social Security to apply a monthly earnings limit during one calendar year, usually the one in which you start collecting benefits. That way, your Social Security payments are not reduced by what you earned in the part of the year predating your retirement, even if that income exceeds the annual cap.

Spouse benefit. Also called a spousal benefit, this is a Social Security payment that may be available to one spouse in a married couple based on the other spouse’s earnings record, if the other had significantly higher earnings and is already receiving retirement benefits.

For eligible couples, the lower-earning spouse can claim up to 50 percent of the other spouse’s full-retirement-age benefit amount. The spouse benefit does not change what the primary earner receives from Social Security.

Substantial gainful activity (SGA). An income-based factor in determining eligibility for disability benefits. A person whose work earnings exceed a monthly threshold is considered by Social Security to be engaged in substantial gainful activity and ineligible for disability benefits.

The cap is adjusted annually for national wage trends. In 2026, it is $1,690 a month for most disability beneficiaries and $2,830 a month for those who are blind. Both figures apply to people who apply for and receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), only the non-blind limit applies, and only at the time you are filing a claim for SSI.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI). A cash assistance program run by the Social Security Administration that pays monthly benefits to low-income individuals who are age 65 and over, blind or have a disability. SSI benefits are paid out of general U.S. tax revenue, not out of Social Security taxes.

Surviving divorced spouse. Also called a divorced widow or widower, the living former spouse of a deceased worker who paid into Social Security. A surviving divorced spouse may be able to collect survivor benefits on the late ex-spouse’s earnings record if the marriage lasted at least 10 years.

Survivor benefit. A type of Social Security payment available to surviving spouses, former spouses, children and, in very limited circumstances, parents of a late wage earner, based on that person’s earnings record.

T

Totalization agreement. An informal name for International Social Security Agreements, pacts between the U.S. and (as of May 2026) 30 other countries to coordinate Social Security with the comparable programs in those countries.

Treating doctor. A physician or psychologist who treats an individual who has applied for disability benefits. The SSA gives significant weight to a treating doctor’s observations when weighing disability claims.

Trial work period. A span of nine months during which someone getting Social Security Disability Insurance may work without interruption of benefits. During the trial work period, the restriction on substantial gainful activity is not enforced. The nine months of trial work can be spread over five years.

Trustees report. A detailed disclosure of Social Security’s finances, issued annually by the program’s board of trustees. The six-member board is composed of:

• the U.S. treasury secretary, the labor secretary, and the secretary of health and human services
• the commissioner of the Social Security Administration
• two public representatives appointed by the president, although these positions have been vacant since 2015

V

Vocational expert (VE). A government-paid occupational expert who may testify at a disability hearing to help Social Security determine if the applicant can still perform their prior job or other paying work. Testimony from VEs primarily covers the skill set and level of exertion required to perform the applicant’s previous job or other jobs in the economy.

Voluntary suspension. A request by a Social Security recipient to temporarily halt retirement benefits so they can earn delayed retirement credits and increase their payment amount. This option is available only to beneficiaries between full retirement age and 70.

W

Wage earner. The individual upon whose lifetime earnings a claim for benefits is made, including by that person for retirement benefits or by their loved ones for family or survivor benefits. Also known as a worker, breadwinner or number holder.

Waiver of recovery. A request by a beneficiary to waive repayment of a debt to Social Security resulting from an overpayment of benefits.

Widow(er) benefit. A type of survivor benefit paid to the spouse of a deceased wage earner.

Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). A defunct Social Security rule that could reduce retirement benefits for individuals who also collected “non-covered” pensions from jobs in which they did not pay into Social Security. The WEP primarily affected federal workers hired before 1984 and some employees of state and local government agencies. It was repealed in December 2024 when Congress passed the Social Security Fairness Act.

Withdrawal of benefits. A means for people collecting benefits to effectively cancel their Social Security (by retroactively withdrawing their application for benefits) and reapply later for a higher monthly payment. The catch is that you must repay any benefits you’ve already received.

This option is generally used by people who claim early retirement and then change their mind about locking in a reduced benefit. You can withdraw an application for retirement benefits only if you are below full retirement age and have been receiving benefits for less than a year. For spouse’s or survivor benefits, the withdrawal window remains open until full retirement age.