Social Security Disability Benefits

April 19, 2011

Understanding Social Security Disability Benefits Most people are aware that there are Social Security disability benefits, but the possibility of becoming disabled is not something most people want to think about. Unfortunately, the chance of becoming disabled during your working years is greater than you might think. Studies show that young workers have a 30% [...]

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What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

April 14, 2011

There is a lot of confusion about Supplemental Security Income, also known as SSI. Is it Social Security? Is it disability? Or something else entirely? While SSI is managed by the Social Security Administration, it is not actually a Social Security program. In other words, SSI benefits are not funded with Social Security taxes like [...]

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The Difference between SSI and Disability

April 8, 2011

Many people think SSI and Social Security Disability benefits are the same. They are actually two very different programs. One is a need-based program that is only available to low income people, the other is based on your earnings history. The only similarity is that both provide benefits to people who are disabled. Supplemental Security [...]

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SSI Income Limits: How Much Can You Earn and Still Qualify for SSI?

April 7, 2011

SSI is supplemental income for low income people who are age 65 or older, OR who are disabled or blind. Children may also qualify for SSI if they have a disability and their parents meet the income test. The main thing to remember about SSI is that it is need based, so you need to [...]

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Social Security Eligibility: How to Qualify for Social Security Retirement Benefits

December 24, 2010

While millions of Americans rely on Social Security benefits in their retirement years, not everyone qualifies.

Here are some general guidelines regarding Social Security eligibility:

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No COLA for Social Security Benefits in 2011

November 28, 2010

Update: Good news for the millions of Americans who rely on Social Security – they will be getting a raise in 2012, the first time since 2009.  The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced that the cost of living allowance (COLA) increase for 2012 will be 3.6%.  According to SSA, the average monthly benefit for retirees [...]

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Social Security Application: How to Apply for Social Security Benefits

August 24, 2010

As you get closer to retirement one of your top questions is probably when and how to apply for Social Security benefits. Should you submit your Social Security application at age 62 or 66? What are the steps to apply for Social Security once you’ve decided to start collecting retirement benefits? We’ll address these questions and more in the following paragraphs.

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Social Security Eligibility: Can a Full-Time Homemaker Collect Social Security?

August 23, 2010

Spouses who do not work or who have substantially lower earnings than their spouse may be able to collect Social Security benefits based on their spouse’s earnings. Below is a common question about spousal benefits when one spouse is a homemaker.

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How are Social Security Benefits Calculated?

July 24, 2010

A popular question that I hear from baby boomers getting ready to retire is “how are Social Security benefits calculated?” This is an important question because it could affect how long you need to work, whether you should continue to work during your retirement years, or other aspects of your retirement plan. First, please note [...]

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Social Security Death Benefits

July 23, 2010

Most people are aware of Social Security retirement benefits, and many may even be aware that Social Security has disability benefits, but are you aware that there are Social Security death benefits as well?

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