Social Security is a method of providing a continuing income to you and your family if your earnings stop or are reduced by retirement, disability or death. Social Security is designed to pay:

• retirement benefits to those age 62 and older;
• disability benefits to workers who are disabled;
• survivor benefits to family members of deceased workers; and
• health care coverage through Medicare.
  

Social Security payments will not replace all lost income, so you should be prepared to supplement it with savings, investments, insurance or pensions.