Social Security Administration Building, Memphis, TN Editorial Photo

The United States Social Security Administration is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government that administers Social Security, a social insurance program consisting of retirement, disability, and survivors` benefits. To qualify for most of these benefits, most workers pay Social Security taxes on their earnings; the claimant`s benefits are based on the wage earner`s contributions. Otherwise benefits such as Supplemental Security Income are given based on need.