Social Security Benefits
How Does a Disabled Widow or Widower Become Entitled to Benefits?
Benefits may be payable to a widow or widower with a disability if the following conditions are met: The widow or widower is between ages 50 and 60; The widow or widower meets the definition of disability for adults; and The disability started before the worker’s death or within seven years after death. Note: If [...]
Can Social Security Help Individuals Who Are Unable to Manage Their Money?
Yes. When an individual who gets Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) checks is determined to be unable to manage benefits in his or her own best interest, Social Security appoints a representative payee to assume these responsibilities. In these cases, the Social Security or SSI benefits are sent directly to the representative payee. [...]
Will My Children Be Eligible for Monthly Social Security Checks after I Retire?
Monthly Social Security payments may be made to your children if: They are unmarried and under age 18, or Age 19 and still in high school, or Age 18 or over and became severely disabled before age 22 and continue to be disabled. The types of children who may qualify include a natural legitimate child, [...]
Can I Withdraw My Application for Benefits If I Change My Mind?
Yes. If you applied for benefits and changed your mind, you can complete the Request for Withdrawal of Application (Form SSA-521) and re-apply at a future date. Be sure to include on the form the reason you want to withdraw. However, if you are already receiving Social Security benefits and change your mind, you still [...]
Can I Receive Survivor Benefits on My Deceased Child’s Record?
A parent is entitled to survivor benefits on the record of a deceased child if the child was fully insured at the time of death and the parent: Is age 62 or older; Not entitled to benefits on his or her own record that are equal to or greater than the amount of the survivor’s [...]
My Wife Doesn’t Have Enough Work to Qualify for Social Security or Medicare. Can She Qualify on My Record?
Yes, The question you’ve raised applies to husbands as well as wives. Even if he or she has never worked under Social Security, your spouse at full retirement age can receive a benefit equal to one-half of your full retirement amount. (If your spouse will receive a pension for work not covered by Social Security [...]
Can I Apply for Retirement and Disability Benefits at the Same Time?
Yes. When you apply for Social Security benefits online, the Social Security Benefit Application establishes a claim for retirement insurance benefits, spouse’s benefits and disability benefits. It becomes a valid application for all benefit types for which you are eligible. The online retirement application is easy to use. You can complete it at your convenience [...]
If a Person Dies before Payment Is Made Can Payment Be Collected by the Estate?
An underpayment of benefits due on behalf of a deceased beneficiary is payable to the next of kin or to the legal representative of the estate under the following order of priority established by law: A spouse who was living with the beneficiary when he or she died or a spouse entitled on the same [...]
What is the Social Security Appeals Process?
Social Security wants to be sure that every decision made about your Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim is correct. They carefully consider all the information in your case before they make any decisions that affect your eligibility or your benefit amount. When they make a decision on your claim, they will send [...]
What Do I Do If I Disagree with the Decision Social Security Made on My Application for Benefits?
When Social Security sends you a letter about a decision on your claim, they will tell you how to appeal the decision. If you disagree with the decision Social Security made, you have the right to request an appeal. You can file your appeal online or at your local Social Security office. The request for [...]