SOCIAL SECURITY BASICS

Question 1

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY - ELIGIBILITY

Answer 1

A disabled or blind individual must have paid Social Security taxes to become insured for benefits. Benefits may also be available to certain members of that individual’s family.

Question 2

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY - PAYMENT

Answer 2

The monthly disability benefit amount is based on the Social Security earnings record of the insured worker.

The worker will get Medicare coverage automatically after receiving disability benefits for two years.

Question 3

SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME - ELIGIBILITY

Answer 3

A disabled or blind adult or child must meet all of the following categories:

-Have limited income
-Have limited resources
-Be a U.S. citizen or national, or in one of certain categories of aliens; and
-Live in the United States or Northern Mariana Islands

Question 4

SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME - PAYMENT

Answer 4

The monthly payment is based on need and varies up to the maximum federal benefit rate. Some state add money to federal SSI payments.

In most states, beneficiaries are automatically eligible for Medicaid.