Social Security
Social Security
What is Social Security?
Social Security is based on a simple concept: While you work, you pay taxes into the Social Security system. When you retire or become disabled; you, your spouse and your dependent children receive monthly benefits that are based on how much you earned while working. Also, your survivors can collect benefits if you die.
How do I qualify for Social Security?
When you work and pay Social Security taxes you earn Social Security credits. Most people earn the maximum of 4 credits per year. The number of credits you need to get Social Security depends on your date of birth. Most people need 40 credits (10 years of work) to qualify for benefits.
You may be able to collect Social Security as early as age 62, but your benefit will be permanently reduced to account for the longer time that you will receive benefits. If you wait until you are older to retire, you will be eligible for full retirement benefits between the ages of 65 and 67, based on when you were born.
Can I continue to work and still receive Social Security benefits?
Yes. If you have reached full retirement age your earnings will not reduce your Social Security benefits, no matter how much you earn. However, your Social Security benefits will be reduced if your earnings exceed certain limits for the months before you reach your full retirement age.
How do I apply for Social Security?
- Apply online by going to the Social Security website.
- Call the toll free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)
- Make an appointment to visit any Social Security office to apply in person. To find the Social Security office nearest you visit the VirginiaNavigator website and select “Social Security” and put in your zip code.
Social Security Disability Benefits
What are Social Security disability benefits?
Social Security disability benefits are payments that you can get every month if you cannot work because of a severe medical condition.
How do I qualify?
You may be able to get Social Security disability payments if you are:
- Under full retirement age and
- You cannot work because of a severe medical condition (physical or mental) that is expected to last at least one year or result in death.
People with disabilities, including children, who may have little or no income and few resources (things that you own) may be eligible for disability payments through the Social Security Income (SSI) program.
If you have received Social Security disability payments for two years, you may also be able to get Medicare.
How do I apply?
- Apply online by going to the Social Security website.
- Call the toll free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
- Make an appointment to visit any Social Security office to apply in person. To find the office nearest you go to the Virginia Navigator website and select “Social Security” and put in your zip code.
Can I go back to work and still get Social Security disability benefits?
If you receive Social Security disability payments and want to go back to work but need to keep your benefits, you can look into the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Program. This Program gives you more information about keeping your benefits while you work. There are two agencies that can assist you: the Endependence Center and vaACCSES. You can also get this information through WorkWORLD. This computer program is free.
Where can I find out more?
To learn more, visit the Social Security website for disability benefits.
Supplemental Security Income
What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and how do I qualify?
SSI is a monthly payment to a person for food, clothing, and housing. You may qualify if you are:
- 65 years or older, or
- blind or have another disability and have limited income and resources (things you own).
Children who are blind or have a disability may also receive SSI.
What programs are available if I have SSI?
If you have SSI it is also likely you are eligible for Medicaid. To apply for Medicaid, call your local Department of Social Services or visit Medicaid on the Virginia Easy Access website.
You may also be eligible for Food Stamps, Fuel Assistance and other programs. To find out more about these services, visit the Financial section on the Virginia Easy Access website.
How do I apply for SSI?
- Apply online by visiting the Social Security website.
- Call the toll free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
- Make an appointment to visit any Social Security office to apply in person. To find the Social Security office nearest you go to the Virginia Navigator website and select “Social Security” and put in your zip code.
If you have SSI and want to go back to work but need to keep your benefits, you can look into the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Program. This Program gives you more information about keeping your benefits while you work. There are two agencies that can help you: the Endependence Center and vaACCSES. You can also get this information through WorkWORLD. This computer program is free.
Where can I find out more?
- Visit the Social Security On-line website for SSI benefits, or the Virginia Easyaccess Employment Services page.
