Types of Social Security Benefits

To answer whether you'll get Social Security, you first need to understand the different types of Social Security benefits available:

Social Security Retirement Benefits

• Eligibility: Most people are eligible for Social Security retirement benefits if they’ve worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least 40 quarters (10 years).
• Full Retirement Age: While you can start receiving Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62, the full retirement age (FRA) depends on when you were born. The FRA is typically between 66 and 67 years old.
• Benefit Amount: The amount you receive will depend on your average lifetime earnings and the age at which you begin taking benefits.

Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI)

• Eligibility: If you are unable to work due to a disability and have worked enough to earn 40 credits (a combination of work history and earnings), you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
• Medical Evaluation: SSDI benefits are provided to individuals who have a disability expected to last for at least one year or result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a strict medical review process to determine if your condition meets the SSA’s definition of disability.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

• Eligibility: SSI is a needs-based program for individuals who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older, and have limited income and resources. Unlike SSDI, you don’t need to have worked in the past to qualify for SSI, but you must meet specific financial and disability criteria.
• Financial Limits: Your income and assets must fall below certain levels for you to qualify for SSI.

Social Security for Family Members

• Eligibility: Family members of someone who qualifies for Social Security benefits (either retirement, disability, or survivor benefits) may also be eligible for benefits. This can include spouses, children, and sometimes even parents.

How Does the SSA Determine If You Will Get Social Security?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers various factors when determining whether you’ll receive Social Security benefits, including:

Work Credits

• The SSA requires that you have accumulated a certain number of work credits to qualify for Social Security retirement or disability benefits. For most people, this means earning 40 credits (10 years of work). You can earn up to 4 credits per year based on your income.
• For disability benefits, younger workers may qualify with fewer credits, but they still need a minimum number of credits depending on their age when they become disabled.

Age Requirements

• You need to be of a certain age to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits. You can start taking benefits at age 62, but full retirement age (FRA) is usually between 66 and 67, depending on your birth year.
• For disability benefits, you must meet the SSA’s criteria for being disabled, and the medical condition must prevent you from working for a significant period (at least 12 months or expected to result in death).

Medical Condition (For Disability Benefits)

• For disability benefits, the SSA evaluates your medical condition based on whether it meets the Listing of Impairments or prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity. The SSA will review your medical records, doctors’ reports, and other documentation to determine if you qualify for SSDI.

Income and Resources (For SSI)

• For SSI benefits, the SSA considers your income and resources to determine if you meet the financial eligibility criteria. You can check the current income and resource limits on the SSA website to see if you qualify for SSI.

Work History and Earnings Record

• For both retirement and disability benefits, the SSA will look at your earnings history and the amount you’ve contributed to Social Security through payroll taxes. The higher your average earnings over your lifetime, the higher your monthly benefits will be.

How Much Will You Receive?

The amount of Social Security benefits you’ll receive depends on several factors:

• Retirement Benefits: Your benefits are based on your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME), which is calculated from your 35 highest-earning years. The earlier you start taking benefits, the less you will receive monthly, and waiting until full retirement age or beyond will increase your monthly amount.
• Disability Benefits: The SSA uses a formula to determine your monthly SSDI benefits, based on your lifetime average earnings. The more you’ve paid into Social Security, the higher your benefits will be.
• SSI Benefits: SSI benefits are based on need, with the maximum federal benefit set each year. States may provide additional funds on top of the federal amount.