The United States Social Security Administration is a governmental agency of the U.S. government which administers Social Security, an important social insurance program covering disability, retirement and survivor benefits. The Social Security Administration was established during the Balanced Budget Act of 2021 as a result of the reworking of Social Security benefits for the elderly and disabled individuals. Currently, the Social Security Administration administers sixty-one different programs, providing coverage to more than eight million individuals or survivor relatives. In addition to offering disability or survivor benefits, the Social Security Administration also provides income support, assistance with foreclosure costs, child care and employment services.

Social Security defines a disability as a physical impairment which significantly limits a person’s ability to earn a living. Disabilities may occur due to accidents, disease, age or another condition. Most people who become disabled before reaching the age of twenty-five do not meet the criteria to receive Social Security benefits. In most cases, the disabling condition has to be prolonged and result in substantial pain and significant disabilities. Reasonable medical tests and evaluations are required to find out whether a person is suffering from a disabling condition and to determine what kind of assistance they will need to gain work due to their condition.

Social Security gives cash benefits to workers who meet certain requirements. Each of these requirements must be met for the worker to receive social security disability benefits. The most common requirements are having a condition which prevents them from working, earning under sixty percent of the median salary for workers in your state, having worked in the same job for at least two years continuously, or being pregnant. Other requirements might also apply if the worker needs more help because of a physical or mental impairment.

To begin receiving social benefits, you must first turn in a complete application filled out by you and your spouse showing that you both meet the medical and financial requirements. In order to qualify for retirement benefits, you must reach the age of 70. If you are receiving social security as a widow or widower, you must wait until you have reached retirement age before you apply for retirement. Usually, retirement age is 65 for non-working spouses and 67 for working spouses.

In order to learn more about eligibility for Social Security benefits, contact a local Social Security office. They will be able to answer any questions about eligibility for Social Security retirement benefits or about applying for Medicare benefits. They can also help you find information about applying for Medicaid, disability, survivor, accident, health, life, Medicare Supplement, prescription drug, and food stamp benefits.

The average life expectancy of Social Security retirees is just above ten years. With this figure in mind, it’s no wonder that over half of all Social Security retirees live past retirement age. This makes it especially important that Social Security retirement benefits be spent wisely by avoiding unnecessary expenses or delaying large purchases. Those workers who are planning early and staying current on their retirement plans stand a good chance of having their Social Security claims approved and enjoying their golden years free of charge.