The most common social security benefit seniors require is the retirement benefit. While there are numerous rules regarding eligibility and amounts to be paid, getting retirement benefits generally isn't much of a hassle.

There are a few things you do need to know about social security retirement benefits before you apply. If you haven't yet applied for retirement benefits, you should apply at least 3 months before you want benefits to begin. In addition, you should sign up for Medicare at least 3 months before you reach the age of 65 even if you have no desire for Medicare benefits.

We all know the government loves taxes and they do tax social security benefits for some people. If you file a federal tax return as an "individual" and your total income is more than $25,000, you'll be required to pay taxes on your benefits. In addition, people who file joint returns and report an income over $32,000 will also have to pay taxes in any social security benefits they receive. If you feel you might meet one of these criteria you can opt to have federal taxes withheld from your social security.

Marriage and divorce can play havoc with your social security benefits depending on which benefits you receive. Things you should know concerning marriage and divorce are:

• Your own, personal retirement benefits will continue regardless of marriage, divorce and remarriage.
• Spouse's benefits will continue so long as you get divorced at age 62 or older, unless you were married less than 10 years.
• If you get widow's or widower's benefits they will continue should you remarry as long as you do so at age 60 or older.
• Most other benefits stop if you get remarried, but will usually start again should the marriage end.

Many seniors are still active and continue to work even after they've reached the retirement age. It's important to understand that if you retire before reaching the minimum retirement age and continue to work, your benefits can be affected. (Full retirement age is 65 and 8 months for those born in 1941 and increase to 67 for those born in 1960 and later).

If you're younger than the retirement age, $1 will be deducted from your benefits for every $2 you earn (above the annual limit) while working.

The year in which you reach full retirement age your benefits will be reduced by $1 for every $3 earned while working up until the month you reach retirement age. After that you get your full social security regardless of how much money you earn.

The best resource for Social Security issues is online at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ or you can call toll free 1-800-772-1213.