Resources, News, Links and Services
to Help You Get Social Security Benefits.

During 2010 it is estimated that nearly 53 million Americans received around 703 billion dollars in SSI benefits. SSI Benefits is the major source of income for most retired and elderly persons in America. 9 out of 10 people age 65 and older receive Social Security Benefits. SS benefits consists of about 40% of the income for people over 65. 52% are married, and 72% of unmarried individuals receive 50% or more of their income from Social Security.

Retired workers and their families account for 69% of total benefits paid. Disabled workers and their dependants count for 19% of total benefits paid. Since 52% of all workers have no provate pension coverage Social Security Benefits is very important.

Addressing the concerns of many Americans regarding the payment of bills  after retirement or a disability, a federal benefits program was designed in the United States, in 1935, known as the Social Securities Act. The Social Security program - SSA.GOV - provides disability, retirement, unemployment, survivor benefits and Medicare. The benefits offered are meant to provide financial support to the citizens of America who fall under the categories specified within the rules of the program.

The Social Security Act of 1935 introduced the Social Security benefits system in the US. The SSI system caters to the financial needs of the retired citizens, who have contributed to the social security trust fund for at least 10 years. It also provides benefits to the survivors, in event of the persons death. Other available benefits cover disability and unemployment.

It is essential for anyone wanting benefits to make the regular required contribution to the Social Security Trust Funds through the payroll taxes. The provisions of the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA), every worker's income is subject to a tax payment of 12.4% on the first $94,200 earned during the year. 50% of this amount (6.2%) is paid by the employer, while the other 6.2% is deducted from the salary. The amount is passed on to the SSI office. Self-employed people pays the full 12.4%. This contributed dollar amount is used fund the U.S. social security benefits system.

The Social Security benefits system has been designed to benefit those who make the necessary contributions for a period of 10 years. The credit system incorporated in the scheme says you can earn a maximum of 4 credits per year. This means that in spite of the higher limit of your actual earnings - and consequently the total of your total contribution to the fund, your earnings would entitle you to receive four credits.

The amount of the monthly social security benefits check that you would receive after retirement would be calculated on the basis of your 35 highest income-generating years. You need to apply to receive you social security benefits. The best time to do this would be a few months before your retirement date.

The social security program attempts to pay you a pre-determined sum of money, to cover their basic needs. It works as a type of insurance for retired people, helping them to cope with financial difficulties, after retirement.

It is a form of government insurance that covers the surviving spouse and children, in case of death. If the wife or husband is between 62 to 65 years, 70 to 99 percent of the benefits are payable. Dependent parents and children not married under 18 years are entitled to receive social security benefits as well.

Disability that prevents employment is also considered for benefits under the social security system. Physical and mental disabilities are covered, and the payment starts five months after proving the disability to the authorities.

With the social security system - unemployment benefits are available to those whose loss of employment is due to circumstances beyond their control. The unemployment program is designed to provide financial relief to the citizens of the U.S. at crucial times.

How do you qualify for social security retirement benefits?

When you work and pay Social Security taxes to the federal government, you earn credits toward receiving Social Security benefits.

The number of benefit credits you need to get retirement benefits depends on when you were born. If you were born in 1929 or later, you need 40 credits (10 years of work).

If you stop working before you have enough credits to qualify for benefits, the credits will remain on your Social Security record. If you return to work later on, you can add more credits so that you qualify. No retirement benefits can be paid until you have the required number of credits.

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