| Social Security Primer |
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Retirement, Disability and Survivors Benefits
Program Purpose:
Since 1935, Social Security benefits have provided a dependable monthly income for retired persons, and disabled workers and their dependents. For some two-thirds of America's retirees, Social Security is the main source of income and the only source of income for the rest. While most retirees supplement their Social Security with income from other sources, without Social Security, up to 50 percent of American senior citizens would live in poverty. More than 48 million Americans receive Social Security Benefits. The Social Security program is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Retirement Benefits
While you are working and paying into the Social Security fund (Shown as the "FICA" withholding on your pay stub), you receive Social Security "credits." For every $780 of wages you earn in any given year, you get one credit, up to four per year. Once you have 40 credits, you are eligible to receive full benefits when you reach age 65. You can start to receive partial benefits at age 62 and persons who delay retirement beyond age 65 receive higher benefits. [Details from SSA]
In general, the sooner you apply for benefits after reaching age 62, the less you will receive. For details, refer to this chart: Social Security Full Retirement and Reductions by Age (By the year 2027, the age for receiving full benefits will increase from 65 to 67.)
How to Apply for Retirement Benefits:
Since your benefits can vary quite a bit depending on exactly when you decide to apply, SSA prefers you make an appointment to apply in person. The number to call for an appointment is toll-free 1-800-772-1213 ("TTY" number, 1-800-325-0778, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday through Friday). SAA recommends you meet with a representative during the year before you plan to retire. After applying, it takes about three months to actually start receiving checks. [Social Security Office Locator]
What You Will Need to Apply
When you meet with the SSA representative to apply for benefits, you will need to take some basic documents to prove your eligibility.
- Your Social Security card or record of your Social Security number
- Your birth certificate (if you don't have a birth certificate, you can get one from the State where you were born. See Where to Write for Vital Records for details on where to write)
- Your W-2 forms or self-employment tax return for last year
- Your military discharge papers if you had military service
- Your spouse's birth certificate and Social Security number if he or she is applying for benefits Children's birth certificates and Social Security numbers, if they're applying for children's benefits
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status if you (or a spouse or child applying for benefits) were not born in the U.S.
- The name of your bank and your account number so your benefits can be directly deposited into your account.
The documents must either be originals or copies verified by the offices that issued them to you.
While SSA recommends applying for retirement benefits in person, you can also apply online.
Disability Benefits
Anyone regardless of age who has a physical or mental disability that has prevented them from working at any job paying $500 or more per month for at least a year, or who has been diagnosed as having a terminal condition, may be eligible to receive disability benefits. [Details from SSA]
There are currently two Social Security programs that pay benefits to disabled persons:
Eligibility for either programs also requires that you meet Social Security's definition of disability.
Some people qualify for both programs and the SSA provides this handy Benefits Eligibility Screening Tool to help you determine your program eligibility.
How to Apply for Disability Benefits
You must contact Social Security directly to apply for disability benefits. You can call their toll-free number 1-800-772-1213 ("TTY" number, 1-800-325-0778, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday through Friday), send them regular mail, or visit the Social Security office nearest you. [Contact the SSA] [Social Security Office Locator]
What You Will Need to Apply
Applying for disability benefits can be a complex, difficult process. You will be required to provide medical information that fully documents your condition and how it prevents you from working. Along with all of the following, you will need, perhaps above all, persistence.
- Documents proving your identification, citizenship, and financial status
- Names and address of all the doctors who have examined or treated you and all of the hospitals to which you have been admitted
- Documentation of your medical condition
- Documentation of your medical tests
- Detailed information about your work history for the last 15 years
- Documentation of your education
- A detailed account of your typical daily activities
Your disability benefits should start arriving five months after Social Security approves you eligibility. You will continue to receive benefits as long as you are unable to work. Your case will be reviewed periodically to determine if your physical condition and continued eligibility. If you are receiving disability benefits when you reach age 65, your benefits will be converted to retirement benefits.
Survivors Benefits
If you earned enough Social Security credits during your lifetime, your spouse or minor children may be eligible to receive a one-time, lump sum benefit of $255 when you die. Eligible family members include:
- Your spouse age 60 or older
- Your spouse age 50 or older if disabled or any age if caring for a child under 16 years of age
- Your unmarried children under age 18
- Your children under age 19 but still in school
- Your disabled children age 18 or older
- Your parents if you were their primary provider of support
How to Apply for Survivors' Benefits
The family member or other person responsible for the deceased's affairs should promptly notify Social Security of the beneficiary's death by calling SSA toll-free at 1-800-772-1213.
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