Social Security Administration Online Services and Program Resources for Agencies Online Services and Program Resources for Agencies

ABOUT 56 MILLION PEOPLE Who Gets Benefits from Social Security? 36.0 million Retired Workers 2.9 million Dependents 8.6 million Disabled Workers, 2 million Dependents 4.4 million Widows/ Widowers 1.9 million Children of Deceased Workers 1/2012

You Need to Work to Earn Social Security Credits  Each $ 1,160 in earnings gives you one credit  You can earn a maximum of 4 credits per year Example: To earn 4 credits in 2013, you must earn at least $ 4,640. Earning 40 credits throughout your working life will qualify you for a retirement benefit.  Each $ 1,160 in earnings gives you one credit  You can earn a maximum of 4 credits per year Example: To earn 4 credits in 2013, you must earn at least $ 4,640. Earning 40 credits throughout your working life will qualify you for a retirement benefit.

Types of Disability Programs  Social Security benefits for workers  Social Security benefits for adults disabled since childhood  Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for children and adults

SOCIAL SECURITY VS. SSI Social Security Earned No income & resource limit Medicare SSI Based on Need Limited income & resources Medicaid

Who Can Get Disability Benefits?  Must have paid into Social Security five out of last 10 years  For workers under age 31, less work is required

 Benefits are calculated based on your entire work history  If your Social Security benefit amount is lower than the full SSI payment, you may be eligible to receive both Social Security and SSI Amount of Benefit

Disability for an Adult (Over Age 18) Both Social Security and SSI  Must have a physical or mental impairment (or combination of conditions)  Inability to perform substantial work activity ($1,040/month)  Disability must be expected to last 12 consecutive months or result in death  We consider age, education and past work activity

Medicare Coverage  You will automatically be enrolled in Medicare after being entitled to disability benefits for 24 months  We will send you information about Medicare several months before your coverage starts NOTE: People who have permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant or have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease) may qualify for Medicare almost immediately

Who Can Get SSI? People with limited income and resources who are: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) blind, at any age; or disabled, at any age; or age 65 or older

SSI PAYMENT RATES Effective January 2013: $710/ monthIndividual $1,066/ monthCouple

 Resource limits — $ 2,000 for individual (or child not living with parents) — $ 3,000 for couple —$4,000 Child living with 1 parent —$5,000 Child living with 2 parents  We count — bank accounts (CDs, IRAs), second car, liquid assets etc.  We don’t count — home in which you live, first car, some burial resources etc. SSI Benefits

Medicaid  People who qualify for SSI also qualify for Medicaid  Your local medical assistance office will contact you for additional information the agency needs for qualification

The Application Process There are several ways to apply for benefits:  Visit our website at to apply online  Call or visit any Social Security office to schedule an appointment  Contact us toll-free at (TTY )

15 Your Online Account... Your Control... my Social Security is an easy-to-access, easy-to-use portal to view and update some of your own Social Security information. my Social Security my

16  A valid address;  A Social Security number; and  A U.S. mailing address. Who Can Create a my Social Security Account? You must be at least 18 years old and have:

17 If you don’t get benefits, you can—  View, save, and print your online Social Security Statement. If you do get benefits you can—  Get your benefit verification letter;  Check your benefit and payment information and your earnings record;  Change your address and phone number; and  Start or change your direct deposit. my Social Security Services

Visit Our Website or Call or TTY Visit Our Website or Call or TTY