Have questions about Social Security or Disability Insurance? This cheat sheet has the answers.Â
Social Security isn't just for people who retire. It's a government program that provides a monthly benefit payment to senior citizens and people with disabilities. Time and effort is required to apply for each benefit, so it's best to go in as informed as possible.Â
Whether you're planning for retirement or getting ready to apply for Social Security or Disability Insurance, there's a lot of ground to cover and you likely have a lot of questions. That's why we've created this cheat sheet that will give you not only the basics, but also tackle some specific topics that might be harder to find the answers to.Â
For more on Social Security, check out how the Social Security Fairness Act has paid out more than 7.5B in retroactive payments and where to find your COLA letter if you lost it.
Read More: Over 4 million Social Security numbers may have leaked in company breach
When will I get my Social Security check?
When you receive your monthly Social Security check depends on which specific benefit you're receiving. Social Security and Social Security Disability Insurance share the same schedule, but if you're receiving both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income you'll receive your benefits on a different date than most. Beneficiaries who had been receiving Social Security prior to May 1997 also receive their payments on a different date than most.Â
No matter which benefit you receive, we have the answers. Below are dedicated articles that we update either weekly or monthly with the latest information on each Social Security benefit payment schedule.Â
2025 Social Security Payment Schedule
2025 Social Security Disability Insurance Payment Schedule
2025 Supplemental Security Income Payment Schedule
How do I apply for Social Security benefits?
Applying for Social Security benefits isn't nearly as difficult as you might think it is. It just takes some patience and gathering all the right information you'll need to properly fill out your application. You can also apply over the phone or in person if that's more convenient for you. Find out how to apply with one of these guides.Â
How to Apply for Social Security Benefits
How to Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits
How to Apply for Supplemental Security Income
Can I Receive Supplemental Security Income if I'm not a US Citizen?Â
Social Security Benefits for Children: Who's Eligible And How to Apply
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families: How to Apply for TANF in Your State
What should I know about Social Security if I'm not retiring soon?
You don't have to be retired to begin receiving Social Security benefits. If you've paid into the Social Security system for at least 10 years, you may be eligible to begin receiving benefits at the age of 62. However, doing so will mean you get the smallest benefit amount. On the other hand, if you wait until you're 70 years old, you will receive the maximum benefit.Â
How to Estimate Your Monthly Social Security Benefit Payment With a Free Online Tool
Social Security Money: Know This Before You Retire
The Maximum Amount of Social Security You Can Receive Each Month
How to Determine the Best Time to Start Collecting Social Security
The Truth About Social Security: We Have to Plan for the Unpredictable
Pause Your Social Security Benefits to Potentially Get a Larger Payment Later. Here's How
Social Security Benefits Could Drop by 20% by 2032, Government Report Says
How is Medicare related to Social Security?
Medicare is a health insurance program for people aged 65 or older and for some people with disabilities. It's broken up into four parts, allowing for greater flexibility for enrollees, and encompasses the costs of health care and prescription drugs. Even if you don't plan on applying for Medicare anytime soon, getting the basics down would be beneficial. For instance, if you don't apply at the appropriate time, you could receive a life-long penalty.Â
Changes to Medicare Are Coming in 2025: Here's What You Can Expect
You Might Not Have to Enroll in Medicare When You Turn 65
For more, check out whether you have to pay back a Social Security overpayment.
