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More July questions and answers from Social Security
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[September 24, 2011]
Question:
How does Social Security decide if I am disabled?
Answer:
For an adult to be considered disabled, Social Security must
determine that you are unable to do the work you did before and,
based on your age, education, and work experience, you are unable to
adjust to any other work that exists in significant numbers in the
national economy. Also, your disability must last or be expected to
last for at least one year or to result in death. Social Security
pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial
disability or short-term disability (less than a year). For more
information, we recommend you read Disability Benefits (SSA
Publication No. 05-10029), available online at
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10029.html. |
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Question: What is the earliest age that I can receive
Social Security disability benefits?
Answer:
There is no minimum age as long as you meet the Social Security
definition of disabled and you have sufficient work to qualify. To
qualify for disability benefits, you must have worked long enough
under Social Security to earn the required number of work credits
and some of the work must be recent. You can earn up to a maximum of
four work credits each year. The amount of earnings required for a
credit increases each year as general wage levels go up, and is
currently $1,120. The number of work credits you need for disability
benefits depends on your age when you become disabled. For example,
if you are under age 24, you may qualify with as little as six
credits of coverage. But people disabled at age 31 or older
generally need between 20 and 40 credits, and some of the work must
have been recent. For example, you may need to have worked five out
of the past 10 years. Learn more at
www.socialsecurity.gov/disability.
SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME
Question:
What is the purpose of Supplemental Security Income, or SSI?
Answer:
SSI is designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people who have
little income and few resources. It provides financial assistance to
meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. You can receive
SSI even if you have not worked and paid into Social Security. SSI
is a Federal income supplement program funded by general tax
revenues (not Social Security taxes). Find out more at
www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi/.
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 Question:
My brother recently left me some money. Will this inheritance
affect my SSI benefits?
Answer:
We consider the money inherited from your brother income for the
month you receive it. That could make you ineligible for SSI that
month, depending on the amount of the inheritance. If you keep the
money into the next month, it becomes a part of your resources. You
cannot have more than $2,000 in resources to remain eligible for SSI.
You should call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and report the
inheritance. Representatives can tell you how your eligibility might
be affected. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call our
toll-free TTY number, 1-800-325-0778, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.,
Monday through Friday.
MEDICARE
Question:
Who is eligible for extra help with Medicare prescription drug
costs?
Answer:
Medicare beneficiaries with limited income and resources may
qualify for extra help. The extra help can save them money. It pays
part of the monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription
co-payments under the new Medicare prescription drug program. The
extra help is estimated to be worth an average of $4,000 per year.
Help someone qualify and apply at
www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp.
By Judith Bartels
Social Security District
Manager in Springfield, IL
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