Social Security
What is Social Security?
Social Security provides income to eligible people who have retired or cannot work because of a disability. In some cases, it also provides income to the dependents of a person after the person dies.
Are there different kinds of Social Security benefits?
There are four types of Social Security benefits: retirement benefits; Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI); Supplemental Security Income (SSI); and benefits for spouses and other survivors of a family member who has died. Check your eligibility for benefits here on the official Social Security Administration (SSA) website.
Retirement Benefits
Social Security retirement benefits replace part of your income when you work fewer hours or stop working. To be eligible, you must be at least 62 and must have worked and paid Social Security taxes. The amount of your benefit depends on your past earnings (called "credits"), your age when you start receiving benefits, and, if you retire early, any earnings you continue to make above the earning limit.
Visit the official SSA website for information about whether you are eligible and to learn more about applying for retirement benefits. The SSA answers many commonly asked questions in its FAQs.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
The SSDI program pays benefits to you and certain family members if you are eligible. To be eligible, you must have be totally disabled, as defined by SSA, and your disability must have lasted or be expected to last for at least one year or result in death. Also, you must have worked long enough (called "credits") and, generally, within the last ten years.
The amount of time you must have worked (credits you have earned) and how recently you must have worked change each year and depend on your age when your disability begins. The number of credits earned determine only if you are eligible for the benefit, they do not change your benefit amount. You spouse, divorced spouse, children, and adult children disabled before age 22 may also be eligible for benefits based on your work.
Visit the official SSA website for information about whether you and any family members are eligible and to learn more about applying for SSDI benefits. You can also find more information about how you qualify for SSDI on the SSA website here. The SSA answers many commonly asked questions in its FAQs.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
The SSI program provides monthly payments to adults and children who have no or limited income and resources and have a disability, blindness, or are 65 years of age or older. The amount of the monthly payment depends on the person's income, living situation, things they own, and other factors. Having a source of income, getting help with paying for your housing or food expenses, and receiving an SSI supplement from the state may reduce your payments. You may qualify for SSI even if you never worked.
Visit the official SSA website for information about whether you and any family members are eligible and to learn more about applying for SSI benefits. You can also find more information about how to qualify for SSI on the SSA website here. The SSA answers many commonly asked questions in its FAQs.
Survivor Benefits
Social Security survivors benefits are paid to widows, widowers, and dependents of eligible workers. A surviving spouse or, if no surviving spouse, a child may be eligible for a one-time, lump-sum death payment. Also, certain family members may be entitled to monthly benefits including eligible surviving spouses, unmarried children, parents who received support from the deceased person, and, sometimes, a surviving divorced spouse. The SSA has created a one-page document explaining how Social Security can help you when a family member dies and giving information about to do when a family member dies so you can receive the benefits available to you.
Visit the official SSA website for information about whether you and any family members are eligible and to learn more about applying for survivor benefits. More information about what benefits are available to surviving family members can be found on the SSA website here and information for surviving family members can be found on the SSA website here. The SSA answers many commonly asked questions in its FAQs.
What if SSA denies my application for benefits?
If you do not agree with a decision made by SSA, you can ask for a change of the decision through an appeal. There are four levels of an appeal, though you may not have to go through all four levels. First, you can ask SSA to consider changing its decision. If you do not agree after asking them to change their decision, you can request a hearing with an administrative law judge. If you do not agree with the decision made by the administrative law judge, you can request a review with the Appeals Council. If you do not agree with the Appeals Council, you can file an action in federal district court. Generally, you have 60 days from the time you receive each decision to ask for each level of appeal. Though an attorney is not required, these are legal proceedings and an attorney can be very helpful in the process.
Additional information about appealing an SSA decision is available on the SSA website.
What is a "my Social Security" account?
A my Social Security account allows people to check and change their personal information and to do business with Social Security. You can create a my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. You do not have to be receiving benefits to sign up or to use the account. People who are not yet receiving benefits can get information about their earnings and possible future benefits. The account also provides links to information about applications for benefits.
How do I contact the Social Security Administration (SSA)?
The SSA makes much information available online and many services, including application for benefits, can be made using the internet. If you are looking for information, providing eligigiblity information, or making an application for benefits, make sure you are going to the official SSA website, not a look-alike website. Links to the official SSA website look like this: https://www.ssa.gov/ or https://secure.ssa.gov/. If you are unsure about an email, text, or website link you receive about your Social Security account or benefits, call before you click. The SSA provides additional information about protecting your identity and information here.
If you cannot use or do not have access to the internet or need to speak to someone at SSA, you can call the SSA 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-772-1213 or for TTY users at 1-800-325-0778 for automated information. Representatives are available Monday-Friday from 8AM-7PM (eastern). SSA also provides free interpreter services for those who request it.
Are there other options for help?
- Iowa Legal Aid is a non-profit agency that provides legal assistance to low-income and vulnerable Iowans. Information can be found on the Iowa Legal Aid website and they can be reached by phone at 800-532-1503 or, for Iowans 60 or older, 800-992-8161. Information about Social Security can be found here.
- Iowa Find-A-Lawyer is an online directory of attorneys provided by the Iowa State Bar Association. Information about Social Security can also be found in its Older Iowans Handbook.