Social Security is a U.S. government program funded through payroll taxes on employees, employers, and self-employed individuals. The taxes are collected under authority of the Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA) and support Social Security programs—including Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance.

Social Security provides a worker with a source of income during retirement or if the worker is unable to work due to a disability. It can also support a worker’s legal dependents (spouse, children, or parents) with benefits in the event of the worker’s death.

The Social Security program is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA keeps track of a worker’s earnings throughout their working life. When a worker retires, the amount of the worker’s monthly Social Security benefit depends on the worker’s earnings and the age at which the worker retires. Workers who retire earlier (beginning at age 62) typically receive lower benefit payments than they would if they postpone retirement.

In Kansas, as in all states, Social Security is a federal program that provides financial support to retirees, disabled individuals, and the dependents of deceased workers. The program is funded through payroll taxes levied on employees, employers, and self-employed individuals under the Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA). The Social Security Administration (SSA) manages the program and tracks workers' earnings to determine benefit amounts. The benefits a worker receives upon retirement are based on their lifetime earnings and the age at which they choose to retire. Early retirement can begin at age 62, but this typically results in lower monthly benefits compared to retiring at full retirement age or later. Social Security benefits are standardized across the United States, and state law does not alter the fundamental aspects of the program. However, state laws may affect related areas such as taxation of Social Security benefits and eligibility for supplemental state programs.