Social Security, A Source of Independence for Millions
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: March 17, 2021
On July 4, people in communities everywhere celebrate our nation’s independence with neighbors, family, and friends. A strong community promotes independence by helping each other lead full and productive lives.
Social Security has been helping people maintain a higher quality of life and a level of independence for over 80 years. Over those decades, we’ve made it even easier for you to access the programs and benefits you might need. Now, applying online is the fastest way to get those crucial benefits.
Here are some the types of benefits you can apply for:
- Retirement or Spouse’s Benefits – You must be at least 61 years and 9 months old and want your benefits to start no more than four months in the future. Apply online.
- Disability – You can apply online for disability benefits or continue an application you already started. Apply for Disability today.
- Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs – Many people need assistance with the cost of medications. Apply for Extra Help online.
- Medicare – Medicare is a national health insurance program administered by the U.S. federal government that began in 1966. You can apply online or continue an application you already started.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – SSI is a federal income program funded by general tax revenues designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people who have little or no income. You may be able to apply online if you meet certain requirements. See if you can apply online for SSI.
Social Security provides benefits for millions of people including wounded warriors and children, the chronically ill and the disabled who cannot work. Find the help you or your family need at our website.
Don’t forget, our many online services can provide you and the ones you love with lifelong independence. From replacing a lost Social Security card to estimating your benefits, you can access these powerful tools at our online services website.
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Tags: Medicare, retirement benefits, Social Security benefits, SSI, supplemental security income
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Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
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John R.
Will Seniors age 65+ receive their Social Security Checks during the coronavirus?
seenstu@email.com
Dana
My son has been on ssi since 2010 and has 4 disabilities and just got cut off. But still has disabilities and is 16 now but still has a IEP and ADHD and Learning disabitlies and has asthma bad allergies and yet they say he isn’t no longer qualified to get ssi anymore. But yet has medicine and home breathing nebulizer and all. So what do I need to do to get him back on ssi. I have appealed the choice every time and now they said I can appeal without getting his ssi until a reverse decision is made on turning his check back on. I need help and someone to help me with this please. And ty.
V.V.
Hi Dana. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance or you can contact your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information.
Clifton N.
Will those of us living on assisted be be eligible for the stimulus check too?
A.C.
Hi, Clifton. We understand there have been reports about the possibility of additional government payments to individuals due to the economic effects of the Coronavirus. At this time, no law has been passed that calls for Social Security to issue any new payments. We hope this helps to answer your question.
Joan
I received Social Security at age 65 and have continued to work, I will be no longer working as of Dec.31,2019, do I have to let Social Security know I no longer work?
A.C.
Hi, Joan. When you reach full retirement age, your earnings no longer reduce your benefits, no matter how much you earn. For more details, visit our Getting Benefits While Working web page. Thanks!
Onell P.
Why isn’t there a capability on the “My Social Security” web site to start/change federal tax withholding (W4P) from retired social security benefits?
Doris E.
I am 64 years old and want to know when do I need to apply for medicare or will I get medicare automatically? I’m still working. Should I change insurance to make medicare my primary insurance?
Is it best to request my deceased spouse’s social security or my own?
Mari
My spouse is 60 and has decided to take his SS at 62. I’m 62 and plan to wait until my FRA of 66. He’s worked over 35 years and is the higher income earner. Will I still receive half of $2,600 each month at my FRA, or does his early retirement prevent this amount? I see online that he’ll receive $1,846 at 62. Thank you
R.F.
Hello Mari, your benefit as a spouse is equal to one-half of your spouse’s full retirement amount, if you start receiving benefits at your full retirement age. See our web page: “Benefits For You As A Spouse” for more information.
If you need further assistance, call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks!
Dildo H.
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Chris J.
I have multiple disabilities.
Due to my conditions with prescribed control drugs with lost of balance and chronic pain through out my body and muscle weakness with depression.
I still try to get out my home to stay active.
I tried working for myself before applying for disability.
I gave it my best but could not make ends meet due to my limits and dangers of falling.
My question is, if a friend needs help and I try to lend a helping hand with my knowledge, and want to give me a donation for helping, is this considered an income enough to file or contact the nearest disability office? even if it is only once a year?
$10/$100 donation.
Thank you in advance
R.F.
Hello Chris. If receiving SSI benefits, “Unearned Income”: is all income that is not earned such as Social Security benefits, pensions, State disability payments, unemployment benefits, interest income, dividends and cash from friends and relatives.
See Understanding Supplemental Security Income for more information. Thanks!
Larry a.
Hello my wife was approved for SSDI 03/01/2017. She has a son that lives with her ex husband who has been on SSDI for approx 18 years. She is ordered to pay child support for her son and the payments have been attached to her SSDI check even though her ex husband is already receiving a monthly check for the child. The child support was ordered while she was in the process of being approved. Does social security allow for dependent allowance for her natural born child from this marriage since her ex husband as well as herself have been deemed disabled and he has custody. I am asking on her behalf as I am the representative payeee