"Social Security" can mean different things:

• Retirement benefits
• Disability benefits
• Survivor's benefits
• SSI (Supplemental Security Income)

At age 62 or 65 individuals can draw Social Security Retirement Benefits.  Payments are based upon earnings over the wage earners life time.

Individuals with severe impairments which are expected to last at least 12 months or result in death can draw Social Security Disability benefits.  The impairments must be severe enough to essentially eliminate the ability to do any type of paid employment.  Payments are based upon earnings over the wage earners life time.  Minor children and the non-disabled parent can also draw payments.