Did you know that you can benefit in more ways than one from the Social Security Administration (SSA)? Though the SSA is more widely known for dealing with retirement benefits. You can find several programs from the SSA that can help you out in many different areas. Who knows? Maybe, you will end up with more support than you thought! This article strives to help you understand the different programs and benefits that the SSA has to offer.

Opportunities for SSA Support

As mentioned above, there are several programs to support people, thanks to the SSA. You can find programs like Social Security Disability Insurance, Social Security Retirement Benefits, and Supplemental Security Income. These programs work on assisting needy people with specific situations, including those that are retiring, have limited resources, or have a qualifying disability. If you want to get benefits from one of these programs, then there are requirements you will need to meet in order to qualify.

Understanding Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and How To Qualify 

To get SSDI benefits, there are eligibility requirements you should meet. The reason these requirements are in place is because this program focuses on helping certain people. These people have an eligible disability that stops them from working. If a person cannot work, then they need to go into early retirement because of their disability. Furthermore, employment background plays a factor to determine whether you qualify. Two main aspects that indicate whether an individual may qualify is if they worked in a position that is covered by Social Security and have a disability according to the SSA’s definition.

Now, how to find out if your disability qualifies? There are five questions that the SSA takes into consideration to determine someone’s eligibility status, which are:

1. Does the person work?
2. Do they have a condition that is severe?
3. Can the condition be found on the SSA’s list of medical conditions?
4. Can the person no longer work their previous job because of their condition?
5. Will they be able to work in another industry?

The Amount of SSDI Benefits You Can Receive

Most people think that the amount of benefits someone will get is based on their disability. When in actuality, a person’s covered earnings are based over a specific timeframe. So the time/work history and the amount/earnings made during, are the main factors into determining a benefit amount. The official name for this amount is your average indexed monthly earnings (AIhME).In 2024, the maximum amount of benefits from the SSDI program could reach $3,822. However, not just anyone can get the maximum benefit amount. Furthermore, the average amount of benefits for 2024 is $1,537.

Applying for SSDI

Do you want to apply for SSDI benefits? Just like any application, there will always be basic information needed to be gathered. Information like your name, number, etc. However, with SSDI benefits there will likely be some key differences with each state’s application. Gather all of the documents and relevant personal details you will need in your application. The Adult Disability Checklist is a great resource to find out what documents you need.

1. You should finish your application and submit it to the SSA to look through. The SSA would figure out whether your application meets the basic criteria for SSDI benefits. Furthermore, the SSA would look into your employment background and any current employment activities.
2. After the SSA looks through your application, they will send your case file to your state’s Disability Determination office and they will ultimately decide whether you get benefits.

Retirement Benefits from Social Security

Retirement benefits help out those that are at the age of 62 and are going through retirement. The SSA calculates the substitute amount of the recipient based on their 35 years of biggest earnings. This substitute amount will vary from one person to another, depending on several factors. To get benefits, you will need to apply for it. You can do that online, on the phone or face-to-face.

The Amount of Benefits You Can Receive

How much you will specifically receive is based on a wide range of factors. However, for 2024, the maximum benefit amount is $4,873.  If you want to get these benefits, you will need to have a job and pay taxes for social security. When someone does this, they can get “credits.” These credits are used to determine the amount of benefits someone can receive. You should keep in mind that your birthday year factors into the precise number of credits you need to be eligible. Anyone born after 1929 requires at least 40 credits or roughly 10 years of employment.

Applying for Social Security Retirement Benefits

You will need to offer different details about your current situation, regardless of how you apply, like:

• When and where you were born
• Your name and your kids’ names
• Your Social Security number
• Information about your finances and your job

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

In order to qualify for SSI, individuals need to have an eligible income level and either be:

• 65 years old or older
• Disabled with an eligible condition
• Blind

You may have noticed that disability is an eligibility factor for both SSI and SSDI. If so, good eye! This is one of the ways that these programs are similar to one another. That’s because both have the same medical requirements in order to qualify. Which is important because recipients could get both SSI and SSDI at the same time! Yet, one of the biggest differences between these programs falls under how much a person can get.

The Amount of SSI Benefits You Can Receive and Applying For Those Benefits

If you currently have a disability and are applying for the SSI program, then you will find some similarities to the SSDI program. However, it is mostly based on your current situation. For instance, if you apply for SSI benefits and you do not have a disability, then you won’t need to present that information or meet the disability criteria. Keep in mind that you should look through the minimum criteria to qualify for SSI benefits. In 2024, how much SSI benefits you can get could reach $1,415 for an eligible couple, which is lower than most options from the SSA.

Overall

If you are finding it hard to stay afloat, then you can always turn to the SSA for help! Your local Social Security office can definitely help you out for more information. Additionally, they can offer resources to help you figure out the available assistance opportunities that can help you and your family. We have explained three different programs from the SSA to help you get a head start! You never know what you can find when it comes to support from the federal government. There is a chance that you can find benefits that will help you out in ways you did not know.