Provides monthly benefits to retired and disabled workers, their eligible spouses and children, and to eligible survivors of deceased workers. In order for benefits to be paid, a worker must have sufficient earnings in covered employment to gain insured status. Monthly benefits are payable to retired workers at age 62, or to disabled worker at any age. Auxiliary and survivor beneficiaries must generally meet an age, disability, or child care requirement. A worker's benefit amount is related to covered earnings averaged over a working lifetime. Auxiliary and survivor benefits are based on percentage of worker's benefit. Virtually all business can be conducted by telephone. Social Security numbers are issued free of charge, as are replacement cards. There is never any charge for services rendered by our office.