Benefits

Learn More About Social Security Features

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Social Security

Social Security pays benefits to people who cannot work because they have a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death. Federal law requires this very strict definition of disability. While some programs give money to people with partial disability or short-term disability, Social Security does not.

You should apply for disability benefits as soon as you become disabled. It can take a long time to process an application for disability benefits. To apply for disability benefits, you will need to complete an application for Social Security benefits and the Adult Disability Report. We can help you with this and we may be able to process your application faster if you help us by getting any other information we need. This may include, but not be limited to:

List of Medications

List of Medical Providers

Lab, Hospital, or Therapy Reports

Work History

Certain family members of disabled workers can also receive money from Social Security. Please refer to topic-specific pages.

Applying for Social Security can be an arduous, intimidating, and daunting task full of paperwork and red tape. But, don't allow such obstacles to stand in the way of the benefits to which you are entitled.

Social Security Disability Benefits

What Is It?

Earnings requirements (ie: paid enough in Social Security taxes to meet the required threshold based on age at the time they become disabled)

Are you currently working or have you been unable to work for at least 6 months and are expected to be unable to work for at least 12 months?

Is your condition severe as defined by Social Security? (ie: does it create significant limitations on your ability to perform routine work activities?)

Is your condition included in the List of Impairments that Social Security deems so severe that you will automatically be awarded benefits?

Can you work at any of the jobs you have held within the 15 years before you became disabled?

Can you do any other type of job or work activity?

Yes – certain family members such as spouse (if over age 62), spouse at any age (if caring for your child who is under age 16), your unmarried child under age 18, or up to 19 (if still attending high school full-time), your unmarried child age 18 or older (if he/she found disabled before age 22).

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Survivors Benefits

Who can receive Survivors Benefits?

Widow or widower - full benefits at retirement age or reduced benefits as early as age 60.

Disabled widow or widower as early as age 50.

Widow or widower at any age if caring for the deceased’s minor child/children under age 16 or disabled and receiving Social Security benefits.

Unmarried children under age 18, or up to age 19 if attending high school full time.

Children at any age if disabled before age 22 and remain disabled.

Dependent parents age 62 or older.

Children's SSI

What is SSI? (Supplemental Security Income) Who qualifies for Children's SSI?

SSI is awarded based on income/resource limitations and a “disabled” finding as defined by the Social Security Administration.

Income and resource limits must be met per outlines as referred to above.

These requirements must be met for a child to be found disabled:

The child must not be working and earning more than allowed. Visit www.ssa.gov for earning limits.

Must have a physical or mental condition or combination of conditions that result in “marked and severe functional limitations” as defined by the Social Security Administration.

Condition or combination of conditions must have lasted or be expected to last, at least 12 months, or be expected to end in death.

Women's Benefits

Who is Eligible?

Did you know that you may be eligible to receive benefits if one of these statements describes your situation?

If you have not worked or do not have enough Social Security credits, you may be eligible to receive Social Security benefits based on your husband’s work if he retires or becomes disabled.

If your husband dies, you may be able to get survivor’s benefits if you are 60 or older, disabled, at least 50 years old, and caring for your spouse’s child age 16 or under (or disabled and receiving Social Security benefits).

If you are divorced and were married at least 10 years, are not married, and are age 62 or older, you may be eligible for benefits on your ex-husband’s record.

If you have limited income, please review the SSI (Supplemental Security Income) eligibility requirement.

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