The Social Security Department of Public Affairs continues to promote the access to the various programs and benefits through its official website, SSA.gov, which is the official site of the Social Security Administration. This platform allows users of all ages and characteristics to carry out online procedures quickly and efficiently.
In this article, you’ll learn about the five key benefits that can be applied for directly from the SSA portal. Among the available options, we can start by are retirement or spouse benefits, which are aimed at people over 61 years and 9 months who wish to start their payments within a period of no more than 4 months. Those interested can access this service at www.ssa.gov/retirement.
Retirement and spousal benefits managed by the SSA
For starter, let’s take a look at the retirement and spousal benefits provided by the SSA are intended for individuals who meet specific age and eligibility requirements. To qualify, applicants must be aged at least 61 years and 9 months old at the time of application, and can choose to begin receiving payments no later than four months from the date of submission.
This process is designed to allow for an orderly transition to retirement, ensuring payments begin without unnecessary delays. Retirement benefits are based on the applicant’s work history and Social Security credits accumulated over their working life. The monthly amount received is calculated considering the average indexed income and the age at which the beneficiary decides to start receiving payments.
Disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
For those who need disability benefits (SSDI), the website offers an online form available at www.ssa.gov/disability. Requirements include being at least 18 years old, a medical condition that prevents you from working for 12 months or more, and not having been turned away in the last 60 days.
In case of a denial (this could happen, friend, you gotta be prepared for that case), the users can go for an appeal at the official SSA website (you can search online “how to appeal an SSA decision”). They can attach all types of documentation and legal arguments that reinforce the appeal, in case the beneficiary considers that an error has been made when denying a benefit.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is designed for adults and children with disabilities or blindness, as well as those over 65 years of age with limited resources. Some applicants can complete the process online at www.ssa.gov/ssi. For telephone assistance, 1-800-772-1213 or TTY/TDD service for the hearing impaired is available.
Medicare and Extra Help with Prescription Drugs
The Medicare program offers health coverage to people over age 65, younger workers with disabilities who have received benefits for 24 months, and patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Applicants must apply for Medicare up to 3 months before turning 65 at www.ssa.gov/medicare.
Additionally, the Extra Help program provides support to Medicare beneficiaries to cover prescription drug costs, such as deductibles and co-payments. The request can be made at www.ssa.gov/medicare/part-d-extra-help.
