Social Security reaches almost every family, and at some point will touch the lives of nearly all Americans. Social Security helps not only older Americans, but also workers who become disabled and families in which a spouse or parent dies.

As you work and pay taxes, you earn Social Security “credits.” In 2009, you earn one credit for each $1,090 in earnings—up to a maximum of four credits per year. (The amount of money needed to earn one credit goes up every year.)

Most people need 40 credits (10 years of work) to qualify for benefits. Younger people need fewer credits to be eligible for disability benefits or for family members to be eligible for survivors benefits when the worker dies.

The Social Security Administration wants you to understand what Social Security can mean to you and your family’s financial future. Our publication, Understanding the Benefits, explains the basics of the Social Security retirement, disability and ­survivors insurance programs.