Health Topics for Aging

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Social Security and SSI

Social Security is a federal program that has been around for 60 years. Its purpose is to provide some protection against financial problems related to disability, death, and retirement. Most people in the United States are paying Social Security taxes, receiving Social Security benefits, or are related to someone who is.

Social Security is based on a simple idea. People work and pay Social Security taxes that will give them some income at the time they retire. When they retire or become disabled, they, their spouse, and their dependent children will receive monthly benefits based on their earnings. Survivors may also collect death benefits.

You, as an employee and your boss, as an employer, both contribute funds into your Social Security or FICA account during the time you have an income from working. Usually, if you have contributed to a Social Security account for 10 years or more, you will be eligible for benefits. The amount of benefits a person receives is determined by:

age

the state in which you live

total earnings and contributions and

the type of benefits applied for

Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, is another type of Social Security program sponsored by the Federal Government. In this program, funds from general taxes assist persons who have:

limited assets

a low income

U.S. citizenship, or are living in the Mariana Islands

reached 65 years of age, or

are blind or disabled

SSI payment amounts vary from state to state. Children, as well as adults, can get SSI benefits if there is a disability or blindness. Additional state programs and services, such as food stamps, meal assistance, and transportation may be available. It is important to contact your local Social Security office as soon as possible if you become disabled, because there is often a waiting period before payments start. T

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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