Payments

• The federal government determines monthly Social Security payments by employment history, the amount you paid into the system and, for retirees, your age at retirement. The amount of monthly SSI benefits vary according to your other income and assets.
  
  

Eligibility

• Those who have worked and paid into the Social Security system--and their minor or disabled children and spouses--can receive benefits based on the age at retirement. To be eligible for SSI, you must be over 65, have a low income, be blind, or have state certification of a significant disability.
  
  

Work Income

• After reaching full retirement age, you can work and still collect your Social Security benefits. If you receive SSI, the distribution of benefits depends on your income from other sources, including work. The government will allow you to keep, a small amount of your wages before calculating deductions.
  
  

Taxation

• You must pay income taxes on Social Security benefits over a certain income level. You do not need to report SSI benefits to the IRS.
  
  

Longevity

• Once you begin collecting Social Security, you can continue as long as you live. If you receive SSI the state will conduct periodic claim reviews to determine the state of your disability. However, if your claim is discontinued, you can appeal.