Social Security Benefits

Social security is defined as the comprehensive federal program providing workers and their dependents with retirement income, disability income and other payments. The Social Security tax is used to fund for the program. Widely practiced in the US, the beneficiaries of this program are not just restricted to retirees and their families but also for people who become disabled and families in which a parent or spouse dies.

The Concept
The current Social Security system in the U.S. is funded by people who work and pay Social Security tax. The tax money is then used to pay benefits to:

• People who have already retired
• People who are disabled
• Survivors of workers who have died
• Dependants of beneficiaries

Your link with Social Security is your Social Security Number (SSN). Your earnings while working and consequently benefits after you retire are tracked using your Social Security Number. If you need to apply for a new Social Security Number, the authorities may ask for the following documents:

• A birth certificate or some form of identification
• A marriage certificate or divorce papers if divorced, if you are applying for a name change
• Some form of identification is required if you are applying for a replacement card

The process of procuring the SSN is pretty simple and free of charge. As you work and pay your taxes, you earn your Social Security ‘credits’. Typically, you would require 40 credits to qualify for benefits. Social Security benefits replace a percentage of your actual earnings when you retire, become disabled or die. You receive a "Social Security Statement" showing your earnings history and an estimate of the retirement, disability and survivors’ benefits you and your family may receive based on your earnings.

Retirement Benefits
All of you must dream of that day when you can retire from work and pursue your interests or follow your dreams. You toil and work hard now so that you can enjoy your retirement sans worries. Your financial planning should definitely include a portion of savings for the future post-retirement.

You can choose to have an early retirement or a delayed retirement. If you choose to receive delayed benefits beyond your full retirement age, you have two choices namely work and get full retirement benefits irrespective of how much you earn or decide not to collect any benefits until you reach 70 and then get a higher benefit when you retire. Social Security benefits are increased by a certain percentage depending on the year when you were born.

However, if you choose to have an early retirement, for example if you start receiving benefits by the age of 62, your benefits are reduced permanently.

Disability Benefits
You are eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits if you are unable to work due to a physical or mental condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death. When you apply for the same, the following documents are necessary to process a disability claim:

• All medical records from your doctors, therapists, hospitals, clinics
• Laboratory tests and test results
• Contact information of all your doctors, clinics and hospitals
• Names of all medication prescribed to you
• Names of your former employers and job responsibilities for the last 15 years

Survivors Benefits
When you are no more, your family may be eligible for benefits based on your work. Such family members who are eligible include a widow or widower who is:

• 60 years or older; or
• 50 years or older and disabled; or
• any age if s/he is caring for your child who is younger than 16 years of age, or disabled and receiving Social Security benefits
Your children are also eligible for benefits, if they are unmarried and
1. younger than 18 years of age; or
2. between 18- 19 years of age, but in an elementary or secondary school as full time students
3. 18 years of age or older and severely disabled

Additionally, your parents can receive benefits on your earnings if they were dependent on you for at least half of their support. If you are divorced, your ex-spouse may be eligible for survivors benefits on your record when you die. Your survivors receive a percentage of your basic Social Security benefit, usually in the range of 75 to 100 percent each.

Social Security benefits are generally paid by direct deposit. Direct deposit is a simple, safe and secure way to receive your benefits. Lead a tension free life, your future is well taken care of.