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 Maryland, as in all states, Social Security is a federal program managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA). It is funded through payroll taxes collected under the Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA) from employees, employers, and self-employed individuals. The program provides benefits for retirement, disability, and survivors, with the amount of retirement benefits depending on the individual's earnings record and the age at which they choose to retire. Early retirement can begin at age 62, but this typically results in lower monthly benefits compared to retiring at full retirement age or later. The SSA is responsible for tracking earnings and calculating benefits. While the program is federal, Maryland residents who have questions or need assistance with their Social Security benefits can seek help from local SSA offices within the state.