Skip to main content
Retirement Planning

Social Security

A US government program providing retirement, disability and survivor income benefits.

Social Security is a government social-insurance program funded by payroll taxes that pays benefits in retirement and in certain other circumstances. For early retirees it can be one part of a broader income plan, though benefits and claiming ages vary by situation.

Examples

  • Delaying when you claim Social Security can increase your monthly benefit.

Related terms

← Back to the glossary

Start learning today

Ready to take charge of your financial future?

Free, jargon-free education on financial independence and early retirement — no sign-up, no sales pitch. Just clear ideas you can actually use.