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who is eligible for social security benefits

by Louisa Windler II 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. ...

More items...

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

Do people who never worked get eligibility for Social Security?

If you've never worked, you won't have the required credits to get normal Social Security benefits, but you could still receive benefits through your spouse or qualify for Supplemental Security Income.

How to earn additional income without losing SSI benefits?

Work Incentives

  • Plan to Achieve Self-Support. Under a Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) program, you can save part of your income or other resources to be used to pay for tuition and ...
  • Work Expenses for Blind People. ...
  • Subsidized Employment. ...

What is the maximum household income for SSI?

You may qualify for monthly SSI payments if:

  • you are 65 or older, blind or disabled;
  • you are a U.S. citizen or lawful resident;
  • and you have very limited income and financial resources.

What other benefits can I collect while on SSDI?

What Other Benefits Can I Collect While on SSDI? If you have a disability that prevents you from working, then you are probably receiving SSDI benefits (Social Security Disability Insurance). Alas, if you’re like many people who get money from government in this way, you probably struggle to live off the amount you receive.

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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.

How many years do you have to work to get maximum Social Security?

35 yearsQualifying for Social Security in the first place requires 40 work credits or approximately 10 years of work. 2 To be eligible to receive the maximum benefit, you need to earn Social Security's maximum taxable income for 35 years.

Does everyone get Social Security benefits?

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.

What determines when you get Social Security benefits?

We compute your benefits based on your earnings record. You choose to get benefits before your full retirement age. You can begin to receive Social Security benefits as early as age 62, but at a reduced rate. We reduce your basic benefit by a certain percentage if you retire before reaching full retirement age.

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

Anyone born in 1929 or later needs 10 years of work (40 credits) to be eligible for retirement benefits.

What happens if you don't work 35 years for Social Security?

If you stop work before you start receiving benefits and you have less than 35 years of earnings, your benefit amount is affected. We use a zero for each year without earnings when we calculate the amount of retirement benefits you are due. Years with no earnings reduces your retirement benefit amount.

Can a person get Social Security if they never worked?

Even if you've never had a job, you may still be eligible for Social Security benefits when you retire or become disabled. Social Security benefits are based on the amount of income you earned during your working life.

Can you be denied Social Security benefits?

If you have been denied Social Security benefits, you are not the only one. In fact, the Social Security Administration regularly denies more than half of the applications it receives. A denial is by no means an indication that you should give up on trying to obtain these crucial benefits.

Can you get Social Security if you've never worked?

Social Security benefits are a vital source of income for many retirees, and you may be eligible for monthly checks even if you've never worked.

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.

How much Social Security will I get if I make 60000 a year?

That adds up to $2,096.48 as a monthly benefit if you retire at full retirement age. Put another way, Social Security will replace about 42% of your past $60,000 salary. That's a lot better than the roughly 26% figure for those making $120,000 per year.

Can I retire at 55 and collect Social Security?

Can you retire at 55 to receive Social Security? Unfortunately, the answer is no. The earliest age you can begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits is 62.

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?

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

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

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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...

What is considered income for SSI?

Income, for the purposes of SSI includes: money you earn from work; money you receive from other sources, such as Social Security benefits, workers compensation, unemployment benefits, the Department of Veterans Affairs, friends or relatives; and. free food or shelter.

When can I apply for SSI?

In most instances, you can apply for SSI benefits and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits several months before you expect to be released from prison or jail. See the SSI spotlight on the Prerelease Procedure.

Why does my SSI stop?

For example, your SSI will stop if you lose your status as a qualified alien because there is an active warrant for your deportation or removal from the U.S. If you are a qualified alien but you no longer meet one of the conditions that allow SSI eligibility for qualified aliens, then your SSI benefits will stop.

How long can I get SSI?

You may receive SSI for a maximum of 7 years from the date DHS granted you qualified alien status in one of the following categories, and the status was granted within seven years of filing for SSI: Refugee admitted to the United States (U.S.) under section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA);

What is disabled person?

And, who: has limited income; has limited resources; is a U.S. citizen or national, or in one of certain categories of aliens; In general, an alien who is subject to an active warrant for deportation or removal does not meet the citizenship/alien requirement. is a resident of one of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, ...

What is CAL disability?

Compassionate Allowances (CAL) are a way to quickly identify diseases and other medical conditions that, by definition, meet Social Security’s standards for disability benefits. These conditions primarily include certain cancers, adult brain disorders, and a number of rare disorders that affect children.

What age can you be considered disabled?

If you are age 18 or older we may consider you “disabled” if you have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment (including an emotional or learning problem) which:

How to find out if you qualify for Social Security?

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. You can also use the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST) to find out if you could get benefits that Social Security administers. Based on your answers to questions, this tool will list benefits for which you might be eligible and tell you more information about how to qualify and apply.

How old do you have to be to get unemployment benefits?

If you are at least 62 years old and unmarried, you may be eligible for a benefit based on a former spouse’s work if that marriage lasted 10 years or more.

Why do we have a second Social Security representative?

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 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 my child get unemployment based on my work?

Your child may be eligible for benefits based on your work .

Can you get a higher Social Security if your spouse dies?

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. For example, if your spouse or ex-spouse dies, you may become eligible for a higher Social Security benefit.

What is disability under Social Security?

What We Mean By Disability. The definition of disability under Social Security is different than other programs. Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or for short-term disability. We consider you disabled under Social Security rules if all of the following are true:

What is the work incentive for Social Security?

There are also a number of special rules, called "work incentives," that provide continued benefits and health care coverage to help you make the transition back to work. If you are receiving Social Security disability benefits when you reach full retirement age, your disability benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits, ...

How to speed up disability application?

To speed up the application process, complete an Adult Disability Report and have it available at the time of your appointment.

How long does a widow have to be disabled?

The widow, widower, or surviving divorced spouse has a medical condition that meets the definition of disability for adults and the disability started before or within seven years of the worker's death.

What are some examples of compassionate allowances?

Examples include acute leukemia, Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS), and pancreatic cancer.

How many questions are asked to determine if you are disabled?

If you have enough work to qualify for disability benefits, we use a step-by-step process involving five questions to determine if you are disabled. The five questions are:

How long can you be disabled if you have a disability?

Your condition must significantly limit your ability to do basic work-related activities, such as lifting, standing, walking, sitting, or remembering – for at least 12 months. If it does not, we will find that you are not disabled.

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.

How old do you have to be to apply for retirement?

If you are at least 62 years of age and you wish to apply for retirement or spouse’s benefits, you can use our online retirement application to apply for one or both benefits.

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.

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.

How old do you have to be to get unemployment benefits?

Unmarried children can receive benefits if they are: Younger than age 18 (or up to age 19 if they are attending elementary or secondary school full time). Any age and were disabled before age 22 and remain disabled.

How to report a death to Social Security?

To report a death or apply for survivors benefits, use one of these methods: Call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 ). Visit or call your local Social Security office. More Information. If You Are The Survivor. Survivors Benefits.

What age can you take care of a child of a deceased person?

At any age if they take care of a child of the deceased who is younger than age 16 or disabled.

How much is a death benefit for dependent parents?

Parents age 62 or older who received at least one-half support from the deceased can receive benefits. One-time lump sum death payment. A one-time payment of $255 can be made only to a spouse or child if they meet certain requirements.

Can you get Social Security if you die?

When you die, members of your family could be eligible for benefits based on your earnings. You and your children also may be able to get benefits if your deceased spouse or former spouse worked long enough under Social Security.

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