The Social Security Administration (SSA) has improved since it began back in 1935, so it is about 88 years old. To get retirement benefits you must have paid enough taxes.
The way to pay this tax is through working. As you work in jobs covered by Social Security you earn work credits. As a matter of fact, you need 40 work credits to file for retirement benefits.
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Bear in mind that you can only earn 4 work credits per year. Social Security has set the price of them at $1,730 each in 2024. What is more, you can only file for retirement benefits if you are at least 62 years old. But what about disability benefits?
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY INSURANCE (SSDI)
SSDI is only for those workers who have not been able to work due to a disability for over a year. This disability must meet the strict definition given by SSA. Like for retirement benefits, you will need enough work credits.
The number of years of work you need for SSDI may be lower. Younger people have not had enough time to work for long if they have a disability. The thing is some people cannot claim SSDI because they have not worked enough.
So what can Social Security offer for those who do not qualify for retirement or SSDI benefits? In this case, the Administration offers Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
SSI benefits are both for people with a disability and people aged 65 or older. Social Security also allows blind people to file for SSI. The thing they all must have in common is having a low income.
GETTING BENEFITS ON SOMEONE’S RECORD
Sometimes Social Security allows some applicants to get benefits even if they have never worked. For example, if your spouse retires and you are already 62 years old, you can claim spouse’s benefits.
Another possibility to get spouse’s benefits from Social Security is to be any age and you and your spouse have a child under 16 or a child with a qualifying disability and also gets benefits.
Do not forget that when a worker dies, some family members may qualify for monthly benefits from Social Security. For example, a divorced spouse who was married for ten years and has not married again.
Another possibility is that the surviving spouse is aged 60 or older. The surviving spouse could also be 50 if this person has a disability. If you are looking after a child whose father has passed away, you may qualify too. Some children may also be eligible for survivors benefits. Apply now to get money!