SSI and Social Security Disability

When you hear social security or SSI you may instantly think of you elderly relative, but the truth is there are many individuals of working age or younger who qualify for benefits under one of these programs. Young adults who are blind or unable to work may qualify for one or both of these programs while children may qualify for survivors benefits when a caregiver passes away, social security disability based on a caregivers disability or supplemental security income based on their own disability. Here are a few things you should know about drawing benefits at all stages of life.

Elderly

If you have reached the age of retirement, at least 62, you could qualify for social security benefits. Drawing your retirement at this age will mean you take a cut in benefits unless you are disabled. Full retirement age is based upon your date of birth but generally runs between 63 and 67. Your monthly payment amount will depend on your full age retirement and the age at which you apply for benefits. In some cases, you could lose as much as 30%.

Social security disability however will result in the full amount of benefits you are eligible to receive. You could also receive benefits from a spouse or former spouse who has reached retirement age provided you are still married, married for at least ten years in case of divorce and not re-married.

Adults

Many adults of working age will find themselves disabled and eligible for disability payments. Generally, any ailment, mental or physical, which is expected to last at least 12 months and leaves you unable to work, qualifies you for social security disability or supplemental security income. Social security disability is paid to disabled individuals who have worked a specific number of years depending on when they become unable to work.

If you have not worked the required quarters or number of years you could still qualify for supplemental security income. This program was designed for disabled individuals who have limited resources and do not qualify for social security disability. You could qualify for both programs in some situations.

Children

Children receive social security benefits for several different reasons. If you are disabled and qualify for social security disability, your children and spouse could receive a monthly benefit as well. It will generally be around half of your total monthly allowance. Other programs for children under the age of 18:

· Survivor benefits- for children who have lost a parent may qualify for this benefit. It will be paid to the child’s legal guardian.

· SSI disability- for children who suffer a defined disability. This program is part of the supplemental security income and acceptable illnesses will vary as the database is constantly being updated.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are disabled elderly, young adult or child there are programs available to help you with everyday living expenses. In addition to the monthly allowances provided by these programs, you could qualify for other programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, food stamps and more depending on your state of residence.

SSI and Social Security Disability

When you hear social security or SSI you may instantly think of you elderly relative, but the truth is there are many individuals of working age or younger who qualify for benefits under one of these programs. Young adults who are blind or unable to work may qualify for one or both of these programs while children may qualify for survivors benefits when a caregiver passes away, social security disability based on a caregivers disability or supplemental security income based on their own disability. Here are a few things you should know about drawing benefits at all stages of life.

Elderly

If you have reached the age of retirement, at least 62, you could qualify for social security benefits. Drawing your retirement at this age will mean you take a cut in benefits unless you are disabled. Full retirement age is based upon your date of birth but generally runs between 63 and 67. Your monthly payment amount will depend on your full age retirement and the age at which you apply for benefits. In some cases, you could lose as much as 30%.

Social security disability however will result in the full amount of benefits you are eligible to receive. You could also receive benefits from a spouse or former spouse who has reached retirement age provided you are still married, married for at least ten years in case of divorce and not re-married.

Adults

Many adults of working age will find themselves disabled and eligible for disability payments. Generally, any ailment, mental or physical, which is expected to last at least 12 months and leaves you unable to work, qualifies you for social security disability or supplemental security income. Social security disability is paid to disabled individuals who have worked a specific number of years depending on when they become unable to work.

If you have not worked the required quarters or number of years you could still qualify for supplemental security income. This program was designed for disabled individuals who have limited resources and do not qualify for social security disability. You could qualify for both programs in some situations.

Children

Children receive social security benefits for several different reasons. If you are disabled and qualify for social security disability, your children and spouse could receive a monthly benefit as well. It will generally be around half of your total monthly allowance. Other programs for children under the age of 18:

* Survivor benefits- for children who have lost a parent may qualify for this benefit. It will be paid to the child's legal guardian.
* SSI disability- for children who suffer a defined disability. This program is part of the supplemental security income and acceptable illnesses will vary as the database is constantly being updated.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are disabled elderly, young adult or child there are programs available to help you with everyday living expenses. In addition to the monthly allowances provided by these programs, you could qualify for other programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, food stamps and more depending on your state of residence.