SOCIAL SECURITY

THE HISTORY BEHIND SOCIAL SECURITY

Social Security is a federal program that provides retirement, disability, and survivor income to eligible Americans. Signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on August 14, 1935, it has become a cornerstone of financial security for millions of Americans.

The program serves as an income safety net, ensuring that workers who have paid into the system throughout their careers have basic financial protection when they retire, become disabled, or die leaving dependents behind.

TYPES OF SOCIAL SECURITY

Retirement Benefits

Disability Insurance

Monthly payments to eligible workers who have reached retirement age. These benefits form the core of the program and provide income security for older Americans.

Disability Insurance

Financial support for individuals who cannot work due to severe medical conditions expected to last at least one year or result in death.

Survivor Benefits

Medicare Processing

Income for spouses and dependent children of deceased workers who earned sufficient Social Security credits during their lifetime.

Medicare Processing

The Social Security Administration handles Medicare enrollment, though Medicare itself is a separate health insurance program for those 65+ or with certain disabilities.

SOCIAL SECURITY ELIGIBILITY

Work History Requirements

The standard requirement is 40 credits (typically 10 years of work), though disability benefits may require fewer credits depending on your age when you become disabled.

Credits never expire once earned
Credits aren't transferable between individuals

Age Requirements

Work History Requirements

Retirement benefits can begin as early as age 62, but full retirement age varies based on birth year:

Born 1943-1954: Full retirement at 66
Born 1955-1959: Gradual increase
Born 1960 or later: Full retirement at 67

Disability Eligibility

Work History Requirements

Disability Eligibility

Qualification based on: Medical condition that prevents substantial work Condition expected to last at least 1 year or result in death Sufficient recent work credits relative to age

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Supplemental Security Income is a separate needs-based program administered by the Social Security Administration but funded by general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes.

SSI provides monthly payments to people with limited income and resources who are:

Age 65 or older
Blind (meeting federal definition)
Disabled (same medical criteria as SSDI)

Eligibility Requirements

Limited income below federal thresholds
Limited resources ($2,000 individual/$3,000 couple)
U.S. citizen or qualified alien
Resident of the 50 states, D.C., or Northern Mariana Islands

Unlike regular Social Security benefits, SSI does not require work credits and is designed specifically as a safety net for the most financially vulnerable.

SURVIVOR AND FAMILY BENEFITS

Surviving Spouses

May receive up to 100% of deceased worker's benefit amount if claiming at full retirement age. Reduced benefits available as early as age 60, or age 50 if disabled.

Children

Surviving Spouses

Unmarried children under 18 (or up to 19 if still in high school) can receive survivor benefits. Adult children disabled before 22 may receive lifetime benefits.

Parents

Surviving Spouses

Parents

Dependent parents 62 or older who received at least half their support from the deceased worker may qualify for benefits.

PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT SOCIAL SECURITY

Early Claiming (Age 62)

Full Retirement Age (66-67)

Filing at the earliest possible age results in permanently reduced benefits – approximately 25-30% less than your full retirement benefit amount.

Full Retirement Age (66-67)

Claiming at your full retirement age (which varies by birth year) provides your complete calculated benefit amount without reductions or increases.

Maximum Delayed Benefits (Age 70)

CALCULATE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFIT

Delaying beyond full retirement age increases your benefit by 8% per year until age 70, resulting in a substantially larger monthly payment for life.

CALCULATE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFIT

Use the SSA's benefit calculators at ssa.gov to estimate your benefits based on your actual earning history and potential claiming ages. Consider your health, family longevity, other retirement savings, and spousal benefits when making your claiming decision.

SSA.GOV

Who Can Apply for Social Security?

U.S. Citizens or Lawful Residents

You must be a United States citizen or lawfully present resident to qualify for Social Security benefits.

Age or Disability Requirements

U.S. Citizens or Lawful Residents

For retirement benefits, you must be at least 62 years old. For disability benefits, you must have a qualifying condition that prevents substantial work.

Work Credits

U.S. Citizens or Lawful Residents

Work Credits

Most applicants need 40 credits (approximately 10 years of work), though younger workers may qualify for disability with fewer credits.

WHEN TO APPLY FOR SOCIAL SECURITY

Retirement Benefits

Apply up to 4 months before you want benefits to begin. For full retirement benefits, apply at your full retirement age (66-67 depending on birth year). Early retirement is available at 62 with reduced benefits.

Disability Benefits

Apply as soon as you become disabled. The approval process can take 3-5 months, and there is a 5-month waiting period before benefits begin. Don't delay your application.

Medicare

You can apply for Medicare within 3 months before turning 65, even if you're delaying retirement benefits. Missing your initial enrollment period may result in permanent premium penalties

GATHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR ENROLLMENT

Personal Information

Financial Information

Personal Information

Date and place of birth
Social Security number
Current mailing address
Contact phone number.

Family Information

Financial Information

Personal Information

Marital status and dates
Spouse's name and SSN
Names of children under 18
Dependent information

Financial Information

Banking information for direct deposit
Recent employment details
If applicable, Self-employment information
Other benefit or pension information

OPTIONS FOR ENROLLMENT

Online Application

Apply through the SSA website at www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement. The online application is available 24/7 and is the fastest method. Most retirement applications can be completed entirely online without submitting paper documents.

Phone Application

Call the SSA toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday from 8am to 7pm. Representatives can take your application over the phone and mail forms for your signature.

In-Person Application

Visit your local Social Security office. Appointments are strongly recommended to avoid long wait times. Find your nearest office at www.ssa.gov/locator. Bring all required documents with you.

Employee Benefits Solutions

1. Start the Application

Step 3: Submit Proof and Documentation

Step 2: Fill Out Required Forms

Access the SSA portal at www.ssa.gov or contact SSA by phone 1-800-772-1213 or in person
Create or log into your my Social Security account (if applying online)
Select the "Apply for Benefits" option
Choose your benefits type: retirement, disability, or spouse's/survivors
Review the checklist of information you'll need before proceeding
Begin the application process by entering your personal information

The online application includes a progress tracker and allows you to save your work and return later if needed. Most applications take 15-30 minutes to complete.

Step 2: Fill Out Required Forms

Step 3: Submit Proof and Documentation

Step 2: Fill Out Required Forms

Form SSA-1

Application for Retirement Insurance Benefits or spouse's benefits. This form collects information about your eligibility, work history, and benefit choices.

Personal information sections
Earnings record verification
Benefit payment preferences

Form SSA-16

Application for Disability Insurance Benefits. This comprehensive form documents your medical condition and work limitations.

Medical condition details
Treatment history
Work limitations

Additional Forms

For disability applications, you'll need to complete supplementary documentation about your condition and work history.

SSA-3368: Adult Disability Report
SSA-3373: Function Report
SSA-3369: Work History Report

Step 3: Submit Proof and Documentation

Document Submission Options:

Online: Upload digital copies through your my Social Security account
Mail: Send copies to your local SSA office (keep originals)
In-person: Bring documents to your local office appointment
Mobile app: Upload using the SSA Express app (for some documents)

Keep copies of everything you submit and maintain a record of when and how you submitted documents. For disability applications, medical records are crucial - the more complete your medical documentation, the faster your claim can be processed.

Initial Review

The SSA performs an initial review of your application to ensure all required information is present. This typically takes 1-2 weeks for retirement applications, longer for disability claims.

Possible Interview

You may be contacted for a phone or in-person interview to clarify information or provide additional details. Disability applications almost always require an interview.

Verification Process

The SSA verifies your work history, earnings records, and other eligibility factors. For disability claims, medical records are reviewed by SSA medical professionals.

Status Tracking

Check your application status online through your my Social Security account or by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213. Status updates are typically available 5-7 days after submission.

After You Apply: What to Expect

Confirmation Receipt

You'll receive an application confirmation letter from the SSA with your claim number. Keep this for reference in all future communications.Confirmation Receipt

You'll receive an application confirmation letter from the SSA with your claim number. Keep this for reference in all future communications.

Processing Period

Processing times vary: retirement claims (2-6 weeks), disability claims (3-5 months), and survivors claims (1-2 months). Complex cases may take longer.

Decision Notification

You'll receive a decision letter by mail explaining approval or denial reasons. If approved, it will include benefit amount and payment schedule.

Benefit Payments

If approved, benefits are paid via direct deposit to your bank account. Social Security benefits are paid in the month following the month they are due.