Social Security www socialsecurity gov SOCIAL SECURITY v

Social Security www. socialsecurity. gov

SOCIAL SECURITY v. SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME SOCIAL SECURITY STARTED IN 1935 “CONTRIBUTIONS BASED” (i. e. social insurance) FUNDED BY FICA TAXES SSI STARTED IN 1972 “NEEDS BASED” (i. e. there are income & asset limits) FUNDED FROM GENERAL FEDERAL REVENUE LINKED TO MEDICARE (if you qualify for SSDI, Medicare starts in the 25 th month of entitlement to SSDI) LINKED TO MEDICAID (WE CALL IT AHCCCS) CALLED TITLE XVI CALLED TITLE II 2

YOU MUST PROVE • DISABILITY MUST BE EXPECTED TO LAST A FULL YEAR OR RESULT IN DEATH • YOU MUST SERVE A 5 MONTH WAITING PERIOD BEFORE YOU CAN BECOME ENTITLED • “INSURED STATUS” – FULLY INSURED (40 QUARTERS) – CURRENTLY INSURED (20 OF LAST 40 QUARTERS) • SAME DISABILITY STANDARD AS WITH SSDI • CITIZENSHIP OR LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE FOR BOTH SSDI AND SSI • NEED – INCOME LESS THAN $718 PER MONTH – COUNTABLE ASSETS LESS THAN $2000 – SSI RECIPIENTS CAN ALSO QUALIFY FOR FOOD STAMPS 3

Social Security’s Disability Definition: A medical condition or combination of impairments preventing substantial work for at least 12 months, or expected to result in death. The determination also considers age, education & work experience. 4

Who Can Get Disability Benefits? Worker Ø Must have paid into Social Security five out of last 10 years Ø For younger workers, under age 31 less work is required Spouse Ø At age 62 Ø At any age if caring for child under 16 or disabled Ø Divorced spouses may qualify 5

Who Can Get Disability Benefits? Child Ø Not married under age 18 (under 19 if still in high school) Ø Not married and disabled before age 22 6

Applying Online for Disability Benefits Ø Social Security offers an online application for adults to apply for disability benefits. Ø It’s the most convenient way to apply. 7

Advantages of Applying Online for Disability You can: Ø Apply for yourself or for someone else; Ø Provide all the information at once or over several sessions, in the setting of your choice; Ø Use the “more info” links if you need help answering a question; Ø Print or save a copy of what you submit; Ø Send the information electronically; and Ø Check the status of your application online after you submit it. 8

Who Can Apply Online for Disability You can apply online for disability benefits if you: Ø Are age 18 or older; Ø Have a medical condition or combination of impairments that has prevented you from working or is expected to prevent you from working for at least 12 months or end in death; and Ø Reside in the United States or one of its territories or commonwealths. 9

Applying for Disability Benefits You can apply online for Disability Benefits by visiting www. socialsecurity. gov and clicking “Apply for disability benefits” 10

Three Steps to Applying Online for Disability Ø Complete the online disability benefits application Ø Complete the online disability report Ø Complete the medical release and cover sheet and mail or deliver them to your local Social Security office 49 11

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Who Can Get SSI? Ø Age 65 or older Ø Blind—any age Ø Disabled—any age Ø Limited income Ø Limited resources Noncitizens must meet special requirements to qualify 12

SSI vs. SSDI Presumptive Disability benefits can be paid No Presumptive Disability benefits paid No Retroactivity before protective filing date Retroactive benefits can be paid up to 12 months prior to filing date No waiting period, benefits can be paid month following first eligible month There is a five month waiting period before disability benefits can start Payment based on Income and Resource limits Benefit and payment amount based on contribution 13

What Will You Need When Applying for Your Social Security Benefits? Ø Social Security number for each applicant Ø Proof of age (only if date of birth allegation doesn't match Social Security records) Ø Latest W-2 or self-employment tax return Ø Earnings estimate Ø Bank information for direct deposit Ø Information about marriages/divorces Ø Information about military or railroad service 14

Social Security www. socialsecurity. gov