The Different Types Of Social Security Benefits
Did you know that about 61 million people depend on social security benefits every month? It’s true! In America, the government created the Social Security program to assist families and individuals financially, when they are not able to earn wages by employment. Now, we’ve already discussed the differences between Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), but did you know that there are actually a few basic kinds of Social Security benefits that can determine which one you receive? Let’s break down the categories of Social Security benefits and learn a little more about what you need to qualify, and how each of them differs.
Retirement benefits:
A common benefit that almost everyone is probably familiar with, is retirement. When you are 62 years old or older, and have worked at least 10 years at a job, you become eligible for retirement benefits. However, if you take out your benefits early there will be a 10% penalty that is added every year for the remainder of your retirement. That being said, if you are up for waiting a bit longer, you could receive 100% of your benefits if you wait to retire at around age 66! It is important to keep in mind that the amount of benefits you receive depend on if you begin claiming before your retirement age, as well as the age that you begin collecting.
Survivors Benefits:
When you have experienced a divorce, are a widow or have been impacted by a spouse’s or child’s disability, you and your child could be eligible for survivor benefits. This means that if you were to die, but were actively paying into Social Security, your children, spouse, or parents could potentially be eligible for benefits based on your earnings, and if one of them dies, then you could be eligible for benefits based on their earnings (SSA).
Disability Benefits
A program that was made specifically for those who are disabled and are younger than 65 is called Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Supporting you financially, SSDI will provide you with benefits if you have worked for a certain number of years, and have a disability that last, or has lasted for at least 12 months. To qualify, your disability should also prevent you from working full-time hours and earning a monthly income. After 2 years of claiming SSDI benefits, you could also be qualified for Medicare!
Medicare
Speaking of Medicare, as our country’s health insurance program, people who are 65 years old and older are able to receive benefits that help a certain amount of health care for a specific amount of time. Medicare also has two different coverages where you can buy a Medigap policy from a private insurance company. Medicare is a very in-depth and robust program that has a lot of moving parts, so for more information, you can visit: SSA.gov/Medicare.
Whether you are seeking Social Security benefits that you are owed, or are dealing with application approvals, obtaining funds can be anything but easy. Attorney Manuel Franco and the team at the Franco Law Firm can help you obtain the benefits you need as well. We have been a local social security lawyer helping individuals in Florida for years, and have years of experience with an impressive track record of victories. We’re here to help you receive the benefits that are rightfully owed to you and your family. To learn more and to schedule a free consultation with us, please call (813) 872-0929. Stay safe, and see you soon!
