Eligibility Requirements for Social Security Benefits

Social Security offers many benefits for elderly and disabled people. People must meet specific criteria in order to collect benefits. The Social Security Administration periodically sends statements by mail to inform people about what benefits they might qualify for, the amounts of those benefits and when they might qualify for things like retirement benefits. If you have not received a statement lately, you can request one by phoning the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 or you can request one online (https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/isss/main.html).

Retirement Benefits

Social Security offers retirement benefits for many retired workers. To qualify, people must have paid into Social Security while they were employed. The age at which they qualify for retirement benefits depends on the year they were born and the amount they can receive depends on how much they paid into Social Security while they were working.

Social Security Disability Insurance

People that cannot work for at least 12 months due to a serious medical condition or other disabling condition may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). To qualify, people must prove that they cannot do any significant work and that their conditions are expected to persist for at least one year or result in death. People must have also worked a certain length of time in the past; how long depends on how old they are at the time they become disabled.

Supplemental Security Income

Supplement Security Income (SSI) provides disability benefits for some people that do not qualify for SSDI because they did not work long enough before becoming disabled and provides benefits for some elderly people that do not qualify for Social Security retirement benefits. To qualify for SSI, people must have limited income and resources.

Medicare

Most people qualify for Medicare when they turn 65. People that have qualified for disability benefits for two years also qualify for Medicare. People must pay a monthly premium for Medicare Parts B and D but those with low incomes may qualify for assistance paying those premiums. Most people will receive a letter in the mail shortly before they qualify for Medicare but if you don't get one, you can telephone the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 to ask about it.

The Application Process

You can begin an application for Social Security retirement benefits or disability benefits online (http://www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline/). You can also visit your local Social Security Administration office to begin an application. To learn more about what Social Security benefits you might qualify for, visit your local Social Security Administration office or telephone 800-772-1213.

Sources:Social Security Administration. https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/isss/main.html. Information about Requesting a Social Security Statement.

Social Security Administration. http://www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/. Plan Your Retirement.

Social Security Administration. http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10029.html. Disability Benefits.

Social Security Administration. http://www.ssa.gov/ssi/. Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Social Security Administration. http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10043.html. Medicare.