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Frequently Asked Questions: How Much? |
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TYPES OF SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS AND WHO CAN GET THEM Most people think of Social Security as a retirement program. However, Social Security pays disability and survivors benefits as well. Medicare hospital insurance is also financed through Social Security taxes. |
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CHILDS BENEFITS In fact, children under 18 may qualify for benefits based on their mothers or fathers work if either parent is deceased, or retired, or disabled. The child may be a natural child, stepchild, adopted child, or, under certain conditions, a grandchild. To qualify, a child must be:
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SURVIVORS BENEFITS Survivors benefits are paid to the eligible members of a workers family. In addition to the eligible children identified above, other family members may include:
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RETIREMENT BENEFITS Full retirement benefits are currently paid at age 65. Full retirement
benefits for todays high school students will be paid at age 67.
The increase will start in 2003, reaching 67 by 2027. Delayed retirement credits increase benefits for people who retire after the full retirement age, currently 65. Delayed retirement credits will gradually increase up to eight percent per year by 2009. Others who can get benefits on the workers record include:
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DISABILITY BENEFITS Disability benefits are paid to workers who have a physical or mental
impairment which is expected to keep them from working for a year or more
or to result in death. The work does not need to be the same as the work
they did before becoming disabled. It can be any work found in the national
economy. Unlike some disability programs, Social Security does not pay
for partial disability. The program is designed to protect against the
risk of total, long-term disability. |
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MEDICARE People over 65 and those who receive Social Security disability payments
for 24 months, or who have permanent kidney failure, can get Medicare.
Part A (Hospital Insurance) covers most inpatient hospital expenses. Part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) covers doctors bills and
other medical expenses. Everyone must pay a premium for Part B. |
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SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI) For people who have not worked long enough under Social Security to quality
for benefits, or whose Social Security benefits are very low, Supplemental
Security Income (SSI) payments may be available. No prior work is needed to qualify for monthly SSI payments. Applicants must be 65 and over, or blind, or disabled with limited income and resources. When a person applies for SSI, eligibility for Social Security benefits is also explored. If he or she qualifies for Social Security, SSI payments may still be available if total income is within SSI limits. |
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Social Security has a toll-free number that operates from
7a.m. to 7p.m., Monday to Friday: 1-800-772-1213 If you have a touch-tone
phone, recorded information and services are available 24 hours a day,
including weekends and holidays. 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. on Monday through Friday. Please have your Social
Security number handy when you call us. |
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Last reviewed or modified Wednesday Jul 02, 2008 |