Social Security.

Transcription

1 Social Security

2 Objectives Discuss basic requirements of different Social Security benefits Expediting of disability claims for servicemen and women How veterans benefits affect the different types of benefits 2

3 Social Security Benefit Programs Ø Retirement Insurance Ø Dependent (Family) Benefits Ø Survivors Insurance Ø Disability Insurance Ø Supplemental Security Income 3

4 Ø Each $ 1,220 in earnings (taxable wages or net earnings from self-employment where income tax is paid) gives you one credit Ø Earning 40 credits (10 years of work) throughout your working life will qualify you for a retirement benefit (35 years are considered in the benefit computation). Ø You can earn a maximum of 4 credits per year Ø Minimum age is 62 Requirements for Retirement Benefits Example: To earn 4 credits in 2015, you must earn at least $ 4,880. 4

5 Benefits for family of Retired or Disabled Worker Child Ø Not married under 18 (under 19 if still in high school) Ø Not married and disabled before age 22 Spouse Ø Age 62 or older Ø At any age, if caring for a child under age 16 or disabled 5

6 Provided the deceased worker has met the minimum earnings requirement (for younger workers, as little as 1.5 years of work and for older workers, as much as 10 years of work): Child: Ø Not married under age 18 (under 19 if still in high school) Ø Not married and disabled before age 22 Widow or Widower: Requirements for Survivors Benefits Ø Minimum age for benefits is age 60 Ø If disabled as early as age 50 Ø At any age if caring for child under 16 or disabled Ø Divorced widows/widowers may qualify 6

7 Requirements for Disability Benefits Ø Must have paid into Social Security five out of last 10 years Ø For younger workers, under age 31 less work is required generally they must have paid Social Security taxes for half the time elapsed since turning age 21 Ø A medical condition preventing substantial work for at least 12 months, or expected to result in death. The determination also considers age, education & work experience. 7

8 Requirements for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits Individuals that have limited income and resources that are: Ø blind, at any age; or Ø disabled, at any age (must meet the Social Security definition of disability); or Ø age 65 or older v For eligibility for a child, we look at the income and assets of parent(s) living in the household and those of the child who is disabled 8

9 Specific Programs for Veterans at Social Security: Wounded Warrior Program Military service members can receive expedited processing of disability claims from Social Security. Benefits available through Social Security are different than those from the Department of Veterans Affairs and require a separate application. The expedited process is used for military service members who become disabled while on active military service on or after October 1, 2001, regardless of where the disability occurs. 9

10 Specific Programs for Veterans at Social Security: Veterans With 100% P&T Rating Starting March 17, 2014, veterans who have a VA compensation rating of 100% permanent and total (P&T) may receive expedited processing of applications for Social Security disability benefits. A VA compensation rating of 100% Permanent and Total does not guarantee that you will receive Social Security disability benefits. To be approved for Social Security benefits, you must meet Social Security s definition of "disability." To be found disabled: You must be unable to do substantial work because of your medical condition(s); and Your medical condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least one year or to result in death. 10

11 To Be Considered a Veteran With 100% P&T Rating for Your Social Security Disability Claim: 1. Identify yourself as a veteran rated 100% P&T when you apply for benefits. a) If you apply in person or over the phone, please tell the Social Security representative you talk to that you are a veteran rated 100% P&T. b) If you apply online, please enter Veteran 100% P&T in the Remarks section of the application so that we can identify you and expedite your application. 2. Provide your VA Notification letter which verifies your 100% P&T rating to Social Security. 11

12 How are the different benefits affected by payment of Veterans benefits? Ø Retirement: Social Security benefits are not affected by receipt of VA benefits Ø Dependent (Family): Social Security benefits are not affected by receipt of VA benefits Ø Survivors: Social Security benefits are not affected by receipt of VA benefits Ø Disability: Social Security benefits are not affected by receipt of VA benefits 12

13 How is the SSI benefit affected by payment of Veterans and other Service-connected benefits? Ø The impact of VA benefits on SSI benefits varies depending on whether the VA benefit is based on need or not. In general, VA benefits count as income and the claimant will need to provide verification of the amount and type. Ø The $20 general exclusion applies to VA benefits not based on need ($20 of the benefit is not counted each month) Ø The $20 general exclusion does not apply to VA benefits based on need. 13

14 What VA benefits will generally not affect payment of SSI? Ø In general, special monthly compensation (SMC) paid to a veteran for daily aid and attendance assistance or regular health services Ø Compensation payments resulting from unreimbursed medical expenses, aid and attendance allowances, and housebound allowances. However, if they are unspent after the month received they may be counted as a resource 14

15 Thank you! Questions? Jack Burns, Public Affairs Specialist Social Security Administration