Learn how to easily estimate your Social Security benefits using the official SSA tool, and understand how work history and timing affect your payout.

If you'd rather not apply online, you can call the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 to set up an appointment to apply for benefits. The agent will schedule the appointment and let you know whether you can do it over the phone or if you'll need to go to a local branch to apply.

As the U.S. marches toward the 2030s, the financial safety net that supports nearly 67 million Americans is on the verge of a seismic shift. The latest analysis from the Committee