Seniors who paid Social Security taxes may collect Social Security benefit payments. Benefits are paid to a qualifying senior by the federal government based on age, number of calendar quarters worked, and earnings.

To receive benefits, a senior may be a retiree, the spouse or former spouse of a worker, the survivor of a worker or retiree, or a qualified disabled person. The Social Security Administration determines the benefit amount.

For more information, visit your local Social Security office or go to the Social Security Administration Web site.