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how to qualify for social security benefits

by Reid Hermiston Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • At least one parent who is disabled or retired and eligible for Social Security benefits.
  • A parent who passed away after attaining enough work credits in a job where he or she paid Social Security taxes.
  • The child must be unmarried and under age 18, or
  • 18-19 years old and a full-time student who is in no higher than grade 12. College students are excluded.
  • 18 years or older and disabled.

You can receive Social Security benefits based on your earnings record if you are age 62 or older, or disabled or blind and have enough work credits. Family members who qualify for benefits on your work record do not need work credits.

Full Answer

How do I determine my social security benefit?

Try refreshing the page. Today's Social Security column addresses questions about how Social Security spousal benefits are calculated, whether it's necessary to file in January to get a given year's COLA and what effects of benefits rates not paying taxes can have.

How does Social Security determine your benefits?

To sum it all up:

  • Calculate Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME). ...
  • Apply the Social Security benefits formula to your AIME to calculate your primary insurance amount. ...
  • Adjust your primary insurance amount based on cost-of-living increases for each year after you turn 62 but before retirement. ...

More items...

How to calculate your Social Security benefits?

your wife will be eligible for a benefit rate equal to 50% of your primary insurance amount (PIA). A person's PIA is equal to their Social Security retirement benefit rate if they start drawing their benefits at full retirement age (FRA). What will ...

How can you get the maximum Social Security benefit?

Social Security benefits ... you've never checked your earnings record, you'll want to go back as far as you can in comparing reported income to the amount you know you made. This could mean digging out old tax records and paperwork. But once you get ...

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How many years do you need to work to get Social Security?

10 yearsAlthough you need 10 years of work, or 40 credits, to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, we base the amount of your benefit on your highest 35 years of earnings.

What makes you not eligible for Social Security?

If you have not reported income and evaded taxes for a lifetime, then you have no right to Social Security benefits.

What conditions automatically qualify you for Social Security benefits?

Some of the conditions that may automatically qualify the policyholder for social security disability benefits include:Musculoskeletal system and connective problems including: Arthritis. ... Mental disorders including: ... Cardiovascular conditions and circulatory disorders: ... Cancer.Nervous system and sense organs conditions:

What are the 3 main types of Social Security benefits?

Social Security Benefits: Retirement, Disability, Dependents, and Survivors (OASDI)

Can a person who has never worked collect Social Security?

The only people who can legally collect benefits without paying into Social Security are family members of workers who have done so. Nonworking spouses, ex-spouses, offspring or parents may be eligible for spousal, survivor or children's benefits based on the qualifying worker's earnings record.

How many years is 40 quarters for Social Security?

10 yearsContact us if you have a question about how you earn credits in your job. The number of credits you need to be eligible for benefits depends on your age and the type of benefit. Anyone born in 1929 or later needs 10 years of work (40 credits) to be eligible for retirement benefits.

What is the most approved disability?

1. Arthritis. Arthritis and other musculoskeletal disabilities are the most commonly approved conditions for disability benefits. If you are unable to walk due to arthritis, or unable to perform dexterous movements like typing or writing, you will qualify.

What are the top 10 disabilities?

What Are the Top 10 Disabilities?Nervous System and Sense Organs. ... Intellectual Disabilities. ... Circulatory System. ... Schizophrenic and Other Psychotic Disorders. ... Other Mental Disorders. ... Injuries. ... Organic Mental Disorders. ... Neoplasms. Finally, the 10th top disability comes from neoplasms.More items...

Can I get Social Security if I only worked 10 years?

The number of credits you need to get retirement benefits depends on when you were born. If you were born in 1929 or later, you need 40 credits (usually, this is 10 years of work). If you stop working before you have enough credits to qualify for benefits, the credits will remain on your Social Security record.

Is Social Security based on the last 5 years of work?

A: Your Social Security payment is based on your best 35 years of work. And, whether we like it or not, if you don't have 35 years of work, the Social Security Administration (SSA) still uses 35 years and posts zeros for the missing years, says Andy Landis, author of Social Security: The Inside Story, 2016 Edition.

Can I draw Social Security at 62 and still work full time?

Can You Collect Social Security at 62 and Still Work? You can collect Social Security retirement benefits at age 62 and still work. If you earn over a certain amount, however, your benefits will be temporarily reduced until you reach full retirement age.

How much money can you have in the bank on Social Security retirement?

$2,000You can have up to $2,000 in cash or in the bank and still qualify for, or collect, SSI (Supplemental Security Income).

How to Apply For Social Security Benefits

The application process by itself is fairly easy and can be accomplished either online, by telephone or in person at a local Social Security office...

Who Is Eligible For Social Security Retirement Benefits?

The U.S. Congress passed the 1935 Social Security Act as a way to supplement retirement earnings for primary working Americans. The original law al...

Who Qualifies For Social Security? at What Age Do You Qualify For Social Security Benefits?

Nearly one in five Americans receives some form of benefit from Social Security. Almost 80 years after it’s initiation, Social Security remains a v...

The Big Question: When Should I Apply For Retirement Benefits?

The single biggest decision you’ll make when it comes to Social Security retirement benefits is when to apply.Every person’s situation is unique an...

Social Security Calculators

Social Security calculators are used to help you plan for the future. There are many different calculators that show you different things, such as...

Social Security Estimator

The Retirement Estimator gives estimates on your future benefits, but these estimates may differ from the actual amounts. The Estimator uses inform...

Social Security Phone Number

You can contact Social Security by phone by calling their toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, their TTY phone num...

Social Security Statement

Your Social Security statement tells you how much you have paid in Social Security and Medicare taxes, and gives an estimate on how much you would...

Social Security Spousal Benefits

You may be able to get spouse’s retirement benefits even if you have never worked under Social Security. Your spouse must already be receiving reti...

Social Security Survivor Benefits

Social Security benefits may be available if you are the survivor--that is, the spouse, child, or parent of a worker who dies. The deceased must ha...

Ways to Apply

You can complete an application for Retirement, Spouse's, Medicare or Disability Benefits online.

Retirement or Spouse's Benefits

You can apply online for Retirement or spouse's benefits or continue an application you already started.

Disability Benefits

You can apply online for disability benefits or continue an application you already started.

Appeal a Disability Decision

If your application for disability benefits was denied recently for medical reasons, you can request an appeal online or continue working on an appeal you already started.

Medicare Benefits

You can apply online for Medicare or continue an application you already started.

Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs

You can apply online for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits

If you want to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), please read:

How many credits do I need to get Social Security?

The number of credits you need depends on your age when you apply and the type of benefit you are applying for. No one needs more than 40 credits for any Social Security benefit.

How many Social Security credits do I need to qualify for 2021?

The amount needed for a credit in 2021 is $1,470. You can earn a maximum of four credits for any year.

How many credits can I earn on Social Security?

You qualify for Social Security by compiling credits when you pay Social Security tax on your earnings. You can earn up to four credits per year. Workers qualify for Social Security retirement benefits when they reach 40 lifetime credits.

How much can I earn on Social Security in 2021?

You can earn up to four credits per year. Workers qualify for Social Security retirement benefits when they reach 40 lifetime credits. In 2021, $1,470 in income from “covered” employment — work in which you paid Social Security taxes — equals one work credit. You can reach your four-credit maximum by earning at least $5,880 for the year.

What is the full retirement age?

The full retirement age was 65 for many years, but it is currently 66 years and 2 months and is gradually going up to 67. If you file for Social Security at full retirement age, you qualify for 100 percent of the benefit calculated from your lifetime earnings.

How late can I file for Social Security?

You can further increase your retirement benefit by filing as late as age 70. Retirement benefits are just one type of Social Security benefit. There are also survivor benefits, spousal benefits and disability benefits, all of which have their own qualification criteria.

How much can I earn to get 4 credit?

You can reach your four-credit maximum by earning at least $5,880 for the year. The credit amounts are adjusted annually for inflation. You become eligible to collect Social Security retirement benefits at age 62.

Why is it important to apply for Social Security?

Because of this, applying for Social Security retirement benefits is an important process and making the right choices can provide optimal financial stability.

How much is a credit on Social Security?

A credit is defined as earning at least $1,170 in a quarter. Social Security computes the actual benefit amount based on the highest 35 years of work where credits are earned. Social Security also provides benefits for spouses and children as well.

What is a Social Security statement?

Your Social Security statement tells you how much you have paid in Social Security and Medicare taxes, and gives an estimate on how much you would get in Social Security benefits once you reach retirement age. Your statement has information that varies based on your age.

What is the retirement age?

Full retirement age, also known as normal retirement age, is the age you must reach to start receiving full retirement benefits from Social Security. This age varies depending on when you were born. Because people are generally healthier and living longer, this age has gradually been increasing. For people born before 1938, the full retirement age is 65. People born between 1938 and 1960 are on a scale that ranges up to age 67.

How many people received Social Security in 2015?

The Social Security Administration now serves 60 million Americans who will receive $870 billion in benefits in 2015. The administration of such a large benefits program can be complicated at times, with numerous special instances, exceptions and nuances that can impact how benefits are disbursed to recipients.

What is a pay as you go plan?

Social Security was envisioned as a “pay as you go” plan designed to augment other retirement plans for individuals. Throughout the course of your working life, Social Security taxes are taken from your paycheck and upon retiring, you are able to withdraw funds from Social Security.

What was the purpose of the 1935 Social Security Act?

The U.S. Congress passed the 1935 Social Security Act as a way to supplement retirement earnings for primary working Americans. The original law also included the nation’s first unemployment insurance program as well as several health and welfare programs.

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.

What is SSI for disabled people?

We are with those who need a helping hand. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides support to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources, as well as people age 65 and older who are not disabled but have limited income and resources.

What is the age limit for Medicare?

Medicare. Medicare is our country’s health insurance program for people 65 or older. Certain people younger than age 65 can qualify for Medicare too, including those with disabilities and those who have permanent kidney failure. Social Security works with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to ensure the public receives ...

Why do we pay disability benefits to people who can't work?

We pay disability benefits to those who can’t work because they have a medical condition that’s expected to last at least one year or result in death. Find out how Social Security can help you and how you can manage your benefits. LEARN MORE.

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.

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