Also known as Supplemental Security Income
Supplemental Security Income
Supplemental Security Income is a United States means-tested federal welfare program that provides cash assistance to individuals residing in the United States who are either aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled. SSI was created by the Social Security Amendments of 1972 and is incorporated in Title 16 of the Social Security Act. The program began operations in 1974.
What happens if I work and get Social Security retirement benefits?
You can get Social Security retirement benefits and work at the same time. However, if you are younger than full retirement age and make more than the yearly earnings limit, we will reduce your benefit. Starting with the month you reach full retirement age, we will not reduce your benefits no matter how much you earn.
How much you will get from Social Security?
The maximum possible Social Security benefit for someone who retires at full retirement age is $3,148 in 2021. However, a worker would need to earn the maximum taxable amount, currently $142,800 for 2021, over a 35-year career to get this Social Security payment.
When can I start collecting Social Security?
When can you claim Social Security and what will you make? The earliest you can claim Social Security benefits is age 62. In 2020, about 23.5 percent of men and 25.7 percent of women claimed their retirement benefits at age 62, according to the SSA.
How much will I get from Social Security?
You can claim Social Security benefits anytime after reaching ... This is the limit on how much you, your spouse and your children can collect in total on your earnings record.
Do you automatically get Social Security?
You qualify for it automatically if you're eligible for Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits. Or, you may qualify based on a spouse's (including divorced spouse's) work.
What determines a person's Social Security benefits?
Social Security benefits are typically computed using "average indexed monthly earnings." This average summarizes up to 35 years of a worker's indexed earnings. We apply a formula to this average to compute the primary insurance amount (PIA).
How do I know how much Social Security I will receive?
You can also get basic benefit estimates by calling the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213.
What are the 3 types of Social Security?
Social Security Benefits: Retirement, Disability, Dependents, and Survivors (OASDI)
How do I contact Social Security?
There are a number of things you can do online. In addition to using our website, you can call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213. We treat all calls confidentially.
What is the number to call for Social Security?
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call our TTY number, 1-800-325-0778. We also want to make sure you receive accurate and courteous service. That is why we have a second Social Security representative monitor some telephone calls.
Can I get a higher Social Security if my ex-husband dies?
For example, if your spouse or ex-spouse dies, you may become eligible for a higher Social Security benefit. To find out if you, or a family member, might be eligible for a benefit based on another person’s work, or a higher benefit based on your own work, see the information about benefits on the Social Security website.
Can my child get Social Security based on work?
Your child may be eligible for benefits based on your work. Are you receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security benefits and have past military service? If you served in the U.S. military, you may be eligible for benefits through the Veterans Administration.
Can I get Social Security at 65?
If you are at least age 65, you may be eligible for cash benefits on your own record. If you are full retirement age or older, you can work and receive your monthly Social Security benefits, no matter how much you earn. Please review this publication for more information.
Can my survivor benefit increase if my spouse dies?
Has your spouse or ex-spouse died? If your spouse or ex-spouse has died, you may be eligible for a higher survivor benefit based on his or her work. The death of an ex-spouse may allow you to be eligible for a higher survivor benefit even ...
Can you change your Social Security benefits?
It's not unusual for a benefit recipient's circumstances to change after they apply or became eligible for benefits. If you, or a family member, receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), certain life changes may affect eligibility for an increase in your federal benefits.
Who gets Social Security survivor benefits?
Social Security survivor benefits go to certain family members of deceased workers. The benefit duration varies. Social Security disability benefits go to workers who qualify for Social Security before becoming disabled and their families. The benefit duration varies.
When do Social Security benefits start?
Key Takeaways. Social Security retirement benefits start as early as age 62, but the benefits are permanently reduced unless you wait until your full retirement age. Payments are for life. Social Security spousal benefits pay about half of what your spouse gets if that's more than you'd get on your own. Payments are for life.
How old do you have to be to get Social Security?
To get Social Security spousal benefits, you must be one of the following: At least 62 years old. Any age if you are taking care of your spouse's child who is also receiving benefits 7 . A divorced spouse who is at least 62, whose marriage lasted at least 10 years, and who remains unmarried 8 .
What is Social Security retirement?
Social Security Survivor Benefits. Social Security Disability Benefits. Most people think of Social Security benefits as a monthly payment you start getting in retirement and receive for the rest of your life. In fact, Social Security is an umbrella term for several federal benefits programs.
How long can a child of a deceased beneficiary be on disability?
A child of a deceased beneficiary may qualify for continuing benefits for life if the person is disabled, or until they reach age 18 (or 19 if attending high school). 10
What is the final category of Social Security benefits?
The final category of Social Security benefits applies if you suffer an injury or illness that leaves you unable to work. These benefits are paid from the Disability Insurance Trust Fund. 12
What age can a dependent on Social Security receive benefits?
A surviving parent who was dependent on a Social Security recipient who has died may be eligible to receive benefits at age 62 or older. This benefit is for life. 10
What are the advantages and disadvantages of taking your retirement benefits before your full retirement age?
The advantage is that you collect benefits for a longer period of time. The disadvantage is your benefit will be reduced. Each person's situation is different.
Is it better to collect your retirement benefits before retirement?
There are advantages and disadvantages to taking your benefit before your full retirement age. The advantage is that you collect benefits for a longer period of time. The disadvantage is your benefit will be reduced. Each person's situation is different.
Apply for Retirement Benefits
Starting your Social Security retirement benefits is a major step on your retirement journey. This page will guide you through the process of applying for retirement benefits when you’re ready to take that step. Our online application is a convenient way to apply on your own schedule, without an appointment.
Ready To Retire?
Before you apply, take time to review the basics, understand the process, and gather the documents you’ll need to complete an application.
How old do you have to be to get spouse's Social Security?
To qualify for spouse’s benefits, you must be one of these: At least 62 years of age.
When will my spouse receive my full retirement?
You will receive your full spouse’s benefit amount if you wait until you reach full retirement age to begin receiving benefits. You will also receive the full amount if you are caring for a child entitled to receive benefits on your spouse’s record who is younger than age 16 or disabled.
What happens if your spouse's retirement benefits are higher than your own?
If your benefits as a spouse are higher than your own retirement benefits, you will get a combination of benefits equaling the higher spouse benefit. Here is an example: Mary Ann qualifies for a retirement benefit of $250 and a spouse’s benefit of $400.
