1. Social Security

2. SOCIAL SECURITY v. SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME
SOCIAL SECURITY STARTED IN 1935 “CONTRIBUTIONS BASED” (i.e. social insurance) FUNDED BY FICA TAXES LINKED TO MEDICARE (if you qualify for SSDI, Medicare starts in the 25th month of entitlement to SSDI) CALLED TITLE II
SSI STARTED IN 1972 “NEEDS BASED” (i.e. there are income & asset limits) FUNDED FROM GENERAL FEDERAL REVENUE LINKED TO MEDICAID (WE CALL IT AHCCCS) CALLED TITLE XVI

3. YOU MUST PROVE
DISABILITY MUST BE EXPECTED TO LAST A FULL YEAR OR RESULT IN DEATH
YOU MUST SERVE A 5-MONTH WAITING PERIOD BEFORE YOU CAN BECOME ENTITLED
“INSURED STATUS”
FULLY INSURED (40 QUARTERS)
CURRENTLY INSURED (20 OF LAST 40 QUARTERS)
SAME DISABILITY STANDARD AS WITH SSDI
CITIZENSHIP OR LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE FOR BOTH SSDI AND SSI
NEED
INCOME LESS THAN $718 PER MONTH
COUNTABLE ASSETS LESS THAN $2000
SSI RECIPIENTS CAN ALSO QUALIFY FOR FOOD STAMPS

4. Social Security’s Disability Definition:
A medical condition or combination of impairments preventing substantial work for at least 12 months, or expected to result in death. The determination also considers age, education & work experience.
The actual disability definition makes the clear distinction between Social Security’s disability requirements compared to other disability programs, such as Veterans and Workman’s Compensation. Social Security’s disability definition is based on your medical condition and the fact that you are not expected to be able to do any work for at least 12 months or your condition is terminal. This work determination is based on your age, education and work experience.
After becoming eligible for a disability benefit, the law requires us to review the continuing disability (CDRs) generally every 3 to 7 years, depending on the severity of the disability.

5. Who Can Get Disability Benefits?
Worker
Must have paid into Social Security five out of last 10 years
For younger workers, under age 31 less work is required
Spouse
At age 62
At any age if caring for child under 16 or disabled
Divorced spouses may qualify
Under age 31 - Must have paid Social Security taxes for half the time elapsed since turning age 21
Age Social Security Taxes
EXAMPLE: /2 years
29 4 years

6. Who Can Get Disability Benefits?
Child
Not married under age 18 (under 19 if still in high school)
Not married and disabled before age 22
(Note to speaker: The children’s category is offered here as in the Retirement and Survivors Benefits Sections.)

7. Applying Online for Disability Benefits
Social Security offers an online application for adults to apply for disability benefits.
It’s the most convenient way to apply.

8. Advantages of Applying Online for Disability
You can:
Apply for yourself or for someone else;
Provide all the information at once or over several sessions, in the setting of your choice;
Use the “more info” links if you need help answering a question;
Print or save a copy of what you submit;
Send the information electronically; and
Check the status of your application online after you submit it.

9. Who Can Apply Online for Disability
You can apply online for disability benefits if you:
Are age 18 or older;
Have a medical condition or combination of impairments that has prevented you from working or is expected to prevent you from working for at least 12 months or end in death; and
Reside in the United States or one of its territories or commonwealths.

10. Applying for Disability Benefits
You can apply online for Disability Benefits by visiting and clicking “Apply for disability benefits”

11. Three Steps to Applying Online for Disability
Complete the online disability benefits application
Complete the online disability report
Complete the medical release and cover sheet and mail or deliver them to your local Social Security office 49

12. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Who Can Get SSI?
Age 65 or older
Blind—any age
Disabled—any age
Limited income
Limited resources
Individual Couple
Federal Payment Standard $674/mo. $1,011/mo.
Resource Limits $2,000 $3,000
SSI paid over 7.5 million recipients in 2009… over 2 million elderly and about 6 million disabled (including about 1 million children).
Noncitizens must meet special requirements to qualify

13. SSI vs. SSDI SSI SSDI Presumptive Disability benefits can be paid
No Presumptive Disability benefits paid
No Retroactivity before protective filing date
Retroactive benefits can be paid up to 12 months prior to filing date
No waiting period, benefits can be paid month following first eligible month
There is a five month waiting period before disability benefits can start
Payment based on Income and Resource limits
Benefit and payment amount based on contribution
We need to see the appropriate proofs when you file your claim.

14. What Will You Need When Applying for Your Social Security Benefits?
Social Security number for each applicant
Proof of age (only if date of birth allegation doesn't match Social Security records)
Latest W-2 or self-employment tax return
Earnings estimate
Bank information for direct deposit
Information about marriages/divorces
Information about military or railroad service
We need to see the appropriate proofs when you file your claim.

15. Social Security