Author: Andrea Miller
Reviewed By: Brindusa Vanta

The different types of Social Security benefits include retirement, spouse and dependent children, survivor, Medicare and disability. Retirement benefits replace some of your income when you decrease your hours or stop working as you age.

If you have a spouse and/or dependent children when you retire, they may also be eligible for Social Security benefits. If the family wage earner dies, their spouse, dependent children and dependent parents may qualify for survivor benefits. Medicare provides medical coverage for adults aged 65 and older, as well as for some younger people who have disabilities. Also, disability benefits provide income if you cannot work because of a qualifying mental or physical disability. 

What are the different types of Social Security disability benefits?

The Social Security Administration offers the following disability benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI applies to people who have a qualifying disability and have paid Social Security taxes in the past. To receive SSI, you must have a qualifying disability and limited financial resources. 

Can you receive more than one type of Social Security?

You can receive more than one type of Social Security at the same time. The SSA refers to this situation as “concurrent benefits.” For example, you may qualify for survivor benefits and then become unable to work and subsequently become eligible for disability benefits. Some individuals who have a disability qualify for both SSI and SSDI, and they may also qualify for Medicare. Many retired people receive Social Security retirement benefits along with Medicare.