Social Security is a U.S. government program funded through payroll taxes on employees, employers, and self-employed individuals. The taxes are collected under authority of the Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA) and support Social Security programs—including Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance.

Social Security provides a worker with a source of income during retirement or if the worker is unable to work due to a disability. It can also support a worker’s legal dependents (spouse, children, or parents) with benefits in the event of the worker’s death.

The Social Security program is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA keeps track of a worker’s earnings throughout their working life. When a worker retires, the amount of the worker’s monthly Social Security benefit depends on the worker’s earnings and the age at which the worker retires. Workers who retire earlier (beginning at age 62) typically receive lower benefit payments than they would if they postpone retirement.

In Florida, as in all states, Social Security is a federal program and not governed by state statutes. The program is funded through payroll taxes collected under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA). These taxes are paid by employees, employers, and self-employed individuals to fund the Social Security programs, which include Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance. The Social Security Administration (SSA) administers these programs, tracking workers' earnings over their careers to determine eligibility and benefit amounts. Benefits provide income during retirement or in case of disability, and can also support a worker's legal dependents in the event of the worker's death. The amount of a retiree's monthly benefit is based on their earnings history and the age at which they retire, with earlier retirement leading to lower monthly benefits. It's important to note that while the SSA oversees the program at a federal level, attorneys in Florida can assist with navigating Social Security benefits, including issues with eligibility, appeals, and other related legal matters.