In recent years, Social Security has been an important part of life in the United States. It has always been there to make sure that people who can’t work because of age or handicap can still get money. It’s both a way to show appreciation for a lifetime of hard work and a way to get money.
payouts for retirement and payouts for disability are both very important to people on an emotional and practical level. This is the only steady source of income for many families. Millions of Americans can keep up a certain level of living, pay their bills, and have a little more peace of mind because of them.
But just because Social Security is a part of a lot of people’s lives doesn’t mean that everyone should have it. Who can apply for benefits is spelled out in clear language. People who don’t meet the minimum standards can’t get this help at all.
People and groups who get Social Security
The Social Security Administration has strict rules about who can get retirement or disability payments. Most of the time, you have to have worked long enough in jobs that are covered by this system and made enough donations during that time.
These groups of people can get Social Security payments:
- People who have worked for the company for at least 10 years.
- People who have 40 work credits, which is generally the same as having worked for 10 years.
- People who hit the minimum retirement age, which is 62 years old.
- Citizens who have a disability that keeps them from working and have met the standards for contributions.
- Widows, widowers, or people who depend on workers who didn’t meet the standards.
People who aren’t in any of these groups can’t ask for Social Security benefits, whether they are dying or being disabled. People who have paid into the system through their jobs are eligible for this scheme.
Extra money every month from Social Security and other funds
In addition to the main benefit, people with low means can get extra help. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is one of these. In some cases, it can be added to Social Security payments.
These things must be true in order to get monthly SSI payments:
- Be at least 65 years old or have a disability that meets government standards.
- Have little money coming in from work and other means.
- Have resources that are less than what has been set.
- Have to be a U.S. citizen or meet certain visa rules.
- Must live in the country and not have been away from it for more than 30 days in a row.
SSI payouts can give you a big amount of money every month. Depending on their position, a single person can get up to $967 and a couple can get up to $1,450 in 2025. Because of this, it is important to know who can get this kind of help. If you want to get Social Security, you can’t just apply for it. You need to have a history of payments, work time, and sometimes, an officially recognized handicap.
