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dents. Always use the proper Social Security number because all the benefits you’ll receive from Social Security depend on the earnings and other information recorded under that number.
As you work and pay Social Security taxes, you earn “credits” that count towards eligibility for future Social Security benefits. The maximum that can be earned each year is four credits and most people need 40 credits (10 years of work) to qualify for benefits. Younger people need fewer credits to qualify for disability or survivors benefits.
When you’re eligible for Social Security, you receive a benefit that represents a percentage of your earnings averaged over most of your working lifetime. (It’s about 42 percent for people with average wages.) Social Security was never intended to be your only source of income when you retire or become disabled, or your family’s only income when you die.
There are five major categories of benefits paid for through your Social Security taxes. They are:
1. Retirement benefits payable at age 65 with reduced benefits available as early as 62.
2. Disability benefits payable at any age to people who have a severe physical or mental impairment that is expected to prevent them from doing “substantial” work for a year or more - or who have a condition that is expected to result in death.
3. Benefits for the eligible spouse and children of people getting retire* ment or disability benefits.
4. Benefits for certain members of your family when you die.
5. Medicare benefits for people age 65 and older and for people who have been getting disability benefits for two years.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is another program administered by Social Security - but it is not paid for by Social Security taxes. SSI makes monthly payments to people who have a low income and few assets. To get SSI, you must be 65 or older or be disabled. Generally;, people who get SSI also qualify for Medicaid, food stamps, and other help.
To file for benefits or to get information, call Social Security’s tollfree number, 1-800-772-1213, business days between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
(Editor's note: Bruce Hundley is the manager of the Social Security office in Culpeper, which serves Rappahannock,County residents.)
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