Social Security Benefits
Social Security benefits are a percentage of your earnings averaged over most of your working lifetime. Social Security was never intended to be your only source of income when you retire or become disabled, or your family's only income if you die. It is intended to supplement other income you have from pension plans, savings, investments, etc. Low income workers receive a higher rate of return than those in the upper income brackets, but a worker with average earnings can expect a retirement benefit that represents about 40 percent of his or her average lifetime earnings. There are five major categories of benefits paid for through your Social Security taxes: retirement, disability, family benefits, survivors and Medicare. Retirement
Benefits are payable at full retirement age (with reduced benefits available as early as age 62) for anyone with enough Social Security credits. The full retirement age is 65 for persons born before 1938. The age gradually rises until it reaches 67 for persons born in 1960 or later. People who delay retirement beyond full retirement age get special credit for each month they don't receive a benefit until they reach age 70. Disability
Benefits can be paid to people at any age who have enough Social Security credits and 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. Generally, earnings of $800 or more per month are considered substantial. The disability program includes incentives to smooth the transition back into the workforce, including continuation of benefits and health care coverage while a person attempts to work. Family Benefits
If you are eligible for retirement or disability benefits, other members of your family might receive benefits, too. These include: your spouse if he or she is at least 62 years old or under 62 but caring for a child under age 16; and your children if they are unmarried and under age 18, under 19 but still in school or 18 or older but disabled. If you are divorced, your ex-spouse could be eligible for benefits on your record. Survivors
When you die, certain members or your family may be eligible for benefits if you earned enough Social Security credits while you were working. The family members include: a widow(er) age 60 or older, 50 or older if disabled or any age if caring for a child under age 16; your children if they are unmarried and under age 18, under 19 but still in school or 18 or older but disabled; and your parents if you were their primary means of support. A special one-time payment of $255 may be made to your spouse or minor children when you die. If you are divorced, your ex-spouse could be eligible for a widow(ER)'s benefit on your record. Medicare
There are two parts to Medicare: hospital insurance (sometimes called Part A) and medical insurance (sometimes called Part B). Generally, people who are over age 65 and getting Social Security automatically qualify for Medicare. People who have been getting disability benefits for two years also qualify. Others must file an application. Part A is paid for by a portion of the Social Security tax of people still working. It helps pay for inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing care and other services. Part B is paid for by monthly premiums of those who are enrolled and from general revenues. It helps pay for such items as doctors' fees, outpatient hospital visits and other medical services and supplies. Important Notice
This information is generic and may or may not apply to this particular city, county, state or your individual circumstances. State laws vary and are continuously changing. This information does not necessarily reflect the laws in Pennsylvania. It is not intended to be a source of legal advice or a substitute for qualified legal counsel. Your access to and use of this web site is subject to additional terms and conditions found in our Terms of Use. Please read it now.
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