This class will enable you to understand the basic design of Social Security benefits. Over your lifetime you may receive disability benefits, spousal benefits, retirement benefits and survivor benefits. Each benefit has a different set of rules for eligibility and the method of determining the amount of the benefit. Your age and benefit option when you apply for Social Security will result in very large differences in your total lifetime benefits. You need to understand the financial implications before making your choice. Rules for those born by 1/1/1954 could make a difference of $75,000 or more in your lifetime benefits.