To be eligible for Social Security benefits, you must have worked and paid into Social Security. Some people believe that because they are hurt, they are eligible to apply for Social Security benefits, which is not the case. Aside from working, you must have a physical condition that will prohibit you from working. Administrators and employees for the federal government will verify that you are eligible to receive these benefits through different programs and after documentation review.
Requirements Needed to Receive Benefits
You are only eligible to receive Social Security benefits if you have actually paid into Social Security. Ultimately, what you pay into Social Security is what is figured into your monthly stipend from Social Security. In addition to what you have paid into Social Security, the length you have worked will also play a part in determining your eligibility. There are tests performed to determine if you have worked for the required years, based on your current age.
Factors Used to Determine Eligibility
It is a lengthy process to apply for Social Security benefits. The administration must exhaust all options for your working. If the administrations feels it can find a job that is suitable for your medical condition, you may not be eligible for Social Security. Doctors have to test you and your condition and give their opinion as to if it is feasible for you to work, what type of job and what type of hours. Some lawyers for those applying for Social Security will argue that the jobs administrators find are not nearly the same pay as the job their client was working prior to applying for Social Security benefits. If this is the case, you will not be required to try to work the position for a lower salary.
Who Else Is Eligible
Your family may be eligible to receive Social Security benefits under you as well. Any children that you have custody of are eligible to receive Social Security benefits, as long as they are 18 years of age or under. Your spouse may also be eligible after the age of 62 years, as well as any children under the age of 18 years who your spouse is caring for, which must include your child or a step-child.
Those Who Are Under Confinement
If you are convicted of a crime, you may not be eligible to receive your Social Security benefits while you are confined for this crime. Your spouse or children may receive their eligibility payments while you are confined. It is up to you to report this to the Social Security administration, who will review your case.
Who Determines Eligibility
You may include testimony from family members and your doctors, as well as co-workers, throughout the process of determining your eligibility for Social Security benefits. However, the final say-so is made by the state agency handling your application for eligibility.
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