Who is Eligible for Social Security Benefits

People work for years, sometimes reluctantly, with discontent or sometimes with satisfaction. But there is one thread which binds such professionals or employees of a company. The common thread connecting them is that they look forward for retirement benefits from the job, coming under the social security benefits. People sometimes are ready to cling on to a job which does not give them satisfaction, just for the sake of getting the retirement benefits. It is a very important part of retirement planning for many. That is the level of influence that small social security card has on people. Social Security number is the most important number in an American citizen's life, more important than even a bank account number. But the question which arises next is, who is eligible for social security benefits? The answer to this will be found in the text coming up.

Eligibility for Social Security Benefits

If you want to be eligible for social security, then there are some things you have to make sure of. In addition to that you will need to have proofs for backing them up. The requirements for social security benefits are as follows -

1. American citizenship
2. Contributions for social security benefits for minimum 10 years prior to the time you can enjoy the social security benefits
3. If there is a surviving dependent
4. Ex-Spouse
5. Dependent child or grandchild
6. A child supporting a parent who is a senior citizen, related to social security benefits for children

A vital aspect to keep in mind here is that these benefits are not communicated to an individual as soon as he or she retires. A proper application has to be made, accompanied by the necessary documents and proofs, et all. So there the social security benefits don't just fall into your lap, you have to make a move for ensuring that you get them.

Am I Eligible for Social Security Benefits?

The earlier requirements were generic requirements. You can get social security survivor benefits if -

1. You are a senior citizen, having worked for at least 10 years.
2. You are married, then your spouse is eligible for benefits extended to dependents once the spouse turns age 62.
3. Both spouses worked for at least 10 years, then each one is eligible for their own social security retirement benefits and dependents benefits from their spouse's social security too.
4. A person who is eligible for more than one social security benefit, both cannot be collected by that individual. He or she can get the higher of the two.
5. If a spouse eligible for retirement or disability benefits dies, then the surviving spouse is probably eligible for survivors benefits and they can start as early as 60.

Along with these, if your elderly parent was working, but became disabled before reaching full retirement age, then he or she can be eligible for disability benefits. If they are eligible, then that person's spouse too is eligible for dependents benefits at 65 or possibly at the age of 62 as well, which is referred to as early retirement social security.

Others who are eligible for social security benefits are the disabled. One of the most important requirements for a person to be eligible for social security disability benefits, is that he or she should be completely disabled, in the sense that the person who is applying for the benefits has to be unable to indulge in any type of productive work, either the one he or she did before the disability or any other type of gainful employment. The disability, moreover has to be a medically serious condition. It has to last or should have lasted for one year or unfortunately result in death.

Now you have a general idea about who is eligible for social security benefits. In case there are some more nuances in this information, which have been missed out, I am sure you would get the information from your local social security related affairs office! Take care! I sign off here!