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Social Security Cheat Sheet: All Your Benefits Questions, Answered

We've provided a guide to help you better understand your Social Security benefits.

katie-conner
katie-conner
Katie Teague Writer II
Katie is a writer covering all things how-to at CNET, with a focus on Social Security and notable events. When she's not writing, she enjoys playing in golf scrambles, practicing yoga and spending time on the lake.
Expertise Personal Finance: Social Security and taxes
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Nina Raemont Writer
A recent graduate of the University of Minnesota, Nina started at CNET writing breaking news stories before shifting to covering Security Security and other government benefit programs. In her spare time, she's in her kitchen, trying a new baking recipe.
Katie Teague
Nina Raemont
3 min read
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Learn everything you need to know about Social Security.

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As a Social Security beneficiary -- or maybe a future one -- you probably have a ton of questions about how your benefits work. The Social Security Administration sends out batches of payments each month to Social Security beneficiaries, Social Security Disability Insurance recipients and to people who receive Supplemental Security Income. But if you receive more than one of these payments, it can get pretty tricky.

To guide you through some of the ins and outs of Social Security -- from what you need to know before you retire to when your money will arrive -- CNET has compiled a cheat sheet so you can stay on top of the latest details.

When will I get my Social Security check?

Whether you're a new Social Security beneficiary or you've been receiving it for decades, knowing when your check will arrive each month is a must. Your payment date depends on your birthday and when you started receiving benefits. Each month, these stories are updated to reflect the exact dates for when the Social Security Administration will disburse your payment.

Stimulus money payments

Find out how much money you'll get next year.

James Martin/CNET

How to apply for benefits

There are several different types of benefits you can receive from the Social Security Administration and other federal programs. Here's what they are and how to apply.

I won't collect Social Security benefits for years. What should I know now?

Preparing for Social Security is important, regardless of how close you are to retirement. But it's never too early to learn about how your benefits will work once you're ready to begin collecting them. 

Additional Social Security information that's important to know

Aside from Social Security benefits, knowing important information about your Social Security number and card can help prevent future mishaps. For instance, if you need a replacement Social Security card or need to know who it's OK to share your SSN with, we can help.

How is Medicare related to Social Security?

Medicare insurance in the US is for those age 65 or older, or certain people with disabilities. The program is designed to help with the cost of health care and prescription drugs. Whether you receive it now or plan to in the future, it's good to brush up on how it works.

For additional health insurance information, here's what to know about Affordable Care Act health plans and how to save on health care if you don't have insurance.