A step-by-step guide to getting Social Security benefits for you and your family. Peterson gives you the practical information you need to make the most of the program, and make smart decisions about retirement.

Includes index.

Introduction -- Getting started with Social Security. What social security is and why you need it ; A breakdown of benefits ; Deciding when to start collecting retirement benefits ; Protecting your number and securing your card -- Taking the plunge: filing for Social Security. Signing up for benefits ; Determining how much you've earned ; Navigating the system ; When you and social security disagree: the appeals process -- Who benefits and when. Spousal benefits: watching out for each other ; Family benefits: who gets what ; When you can't work: social security disability benefits -- Social Security and your future. Enrolling in Medicare ; Working in "retirement" ; Shaping a financial future you can live with -- The part of tens. Ten myths about social security ; Ten reasons young people should care about social security ; Ten choices facing the country about the future of social security -- Appendixes. Glossary ; Resources ; Play the game: you make the choices to strengthen social security.