Social Security Law

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is the federal agency responsible for administering the Social Security program, including processing claims for benefits, determining eligibility, and making payments.

The two main types of Social Security benefits are retirement and survivors benefits, which provide income to retired workers and their families, and disability benefits and Medicare, which provide income and health insurance to people with disabilities.

The full retirement age for Social Security benefits is 67 for people born in 1960 or later. For people born before 1960, the full retirement age is gradually increasing from 65 to 67.

To qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, a person must have earned at least 40 work credits. A work credit is earned for each $1,470 of wages or self-employment income in a year.

The maximum amount of Social Security retirement benefits that a person can receive is $4,000 per month for someone who retires at full retirement age in 2023.

The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program provides income to people who are unable to work due to a disability that is expected to last for at least one year or result in death.

The two main types of SSDI benefits are disability benefits, which provide income to people with disabilities, and Medicare, which provides health insurance to people with disabilities.

To qualify for SSDI benefits, a person must have earned at least 20 work credits in the last 10 years.

The maximum amount of SSDI benefits that a person can receive is $3,000 per month for someone who becomes disabled at full retirement age in 2023.

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides financial assistance to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources.

To be eligible for SSI benefits, a person must be disabled, blind, or over the age of 65, have limited income and resources, and be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident.

The maximum amount of SSI benefits that a person can receive is $1,400 per month for an individual and $2,100 per month for a couple in 2023.

If a person is denied Social Security benefits, they can appeal the decision by filing a request for reconsideration, a request for a hearing, and a request for review by the Appeals Council.

The average processing time for a Social Security benefits claim is 6 months.

The best way to get help with a Social Security benefits claim is to contact the Social Security Administration.