Social Security benefits are often thought to be exclusive to retirees, but did you know that millions of Americans, including those who aren’t of retirement age, receive various forms of Social Security support?
In fact, Social Security is expected to pay more than $1 trillion in 2024 to about 68 million Americans, encompassing retirees, their survivors, and individuals with disabilities.1
Understanding these benefits can provide crucial financial assistance at any stage of life. Here are the Social Security benefits you can access regardless of your age.
1. Disability Benefits
Disability benefits under the Social Security program provide crucial support for individuals who are unable to work due to a severe medical condition. If you have a condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death, you might be eligible for these benefits.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a strict definition of disability, but if you meet the criteria, these benefits can replace a portion of your income.
Applying for disability benefits involves proving your inability to perform any substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to your condition. This process can be lengthy and complex, often requiring detailed medical documentation and sometimes legal assistance. However, once approved, these benefits can significantly alleviate financial pressures, helping cover medical expenses and daily living costs.
2. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program that offers financial assistance to individuals with limited income and resources. Unlike other Social Security benefits, SSI is not funded by Social Security taxes but by general tax revenues.
It’s available to people who are aged, blind, or disabled, including children and adults.
SSI benefits can be a lifeline for those struggling to make ends meet, providing monthly payments to help cover basic necessities like food, clothing, and shelter.
To qualify, you must meet specific financial criteria, and the amount you receive is adjusted based on your income and living arrangements. This program ensures that even the most vulnerable populations have a safety net to rely on.
3. Survivor Benefits
Survivor benefits provide financial support to family members of deceased workers. These benefits are available to widows, widowers, and dependents of eligible workers who have paid into the Social Security system.
Importantly, these benefits can be accessed at any age under certain conditions, such as if you are caring for the deceased worker’s child who is under age 16 or disabled.
Survivor benefits help ease the financial burden after losing a loved one, ensuring that families can maintain some financial stability. The benefit amount depends on the worker’s earnings history, and survivors can receive up to 100% of the deceased worker’s benefit amount. This support can be crucial for covering everyday expenses and securing the family’s financial future.
4. Childhood Disability Benefits
Childhood Disability Benefits (CDB) are available to adults who were disabled before the age of 22 and are children of retired, deceased, or disabled workers. These benefits, sometimes called Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits, provide financial assistance based on the parent’s Social Security earnings record.
To qualify for CDB, the adult child must be unmarried, over 18, and have a disability that began before age 22. This program helps ensure that individuals with long-term disabilities receive the financial support they need, providing a stable source of income to help with living expenses, medical costs, and other essential needs.
5. Social Security Benefits for Children
Children under 18 (or 19 if still in high school) can receive Social Security benefits if a parent is deceased, disabled, or retired and entitled to Social Security benefits. This provision helps to support families where the primary earner is no longer able to provide due to retirement, disability, or death.
These benefits are designed to help cover the cost of raising a child, including education, healthcare, and daily living expenses. They provide a safety net for children who might otherwise face financial hardships, ensuring they have the resources needed for a stable and healthy upbringing.
6. Compassionate Allowances
The Compassionate Allowances program fast-tracks disability applications for individuals with certain severe medical conditions. These conditions are so serious that they clearly meet Social Security’s definition of disability. This program allows for quicker access to benefits, often within weeks instead of months.
Conditions that qualify for Compassionate Allowances include certain cancers, adult brain disorders, and several rare disorders that affect children.
The goal is to reduce the waiting time for applicants with the most serious disabilities, providing them with the financial support they desperately need to manage their condition and maintain their quality of life.
7. Early Retirement with Reduced Benefits
While the full retirement age for Social Security benefits is between 66 and 67, depending on your birth year, you can start receiving benefits as early as age 62.
However, opting for early retirement means accepting permanently reduced benefits. This option is available for those needing to retire early due to health issues or other personal circumstances.
Choosing early retirement requires careful consideration of your financial needs and future plans. The reduction in benefits can be significant, but for some, the immediate access to funds can be worth the trade-off.
It’s essential to weigh the pros and cons and perhaps consult with a financial advisor to make the best decision for your situation.
8. Medicare for Disabled Individuals under 65
Although Medicare is typically associated with individuals 65 and older, those under 65 who qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are also eligible after a two-year waiting period. This coverage includes hospital insurance, medical insurance, and prescription drug coverage, providing essential healthcare services to those who need them most.
Medicare for disabled individuals helps cover the high cost of medical care, ensuring that those with disabilities receive the necessary treatments and medications.
It alleviates some of the financial burdens associated with healthcare, allowing beneficiaries to focus on their health and well-being without the constant worry of medical expenses.
9. Vocational Rehabilitation Services
For those receiving disability benefits, the Social Security Administration offers Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services to help beneficiaries return to work. These services include job training, education, and other support to prepare individuals for re-entry into the workforce, aiming to enhance their employment prospects and financial independence.
VR services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each beneficiary, providing the tools and resources necessary to overcome barriers to employment. This support can be invaluable for those looking to regain their independence and re-establish a career after a period of disability.
10. Medicaid through SSI
Individuals who qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are often automatically eligible for Medicaid, which provides health coverage for low-income individuals and families. Medicaid covers many health services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, long-term care, and preventive services.
Medicaid eligibility through SSI ensures that those with limited income and resources have access to essential healthcare services. This program plays a critical role in maintaining the health and well-being of vulnerable populations, offering comprehensive coverage that would otherwise be unaffordable.
11. Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS)
The Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) program helps individuals with disabilities set aside income and resources for a specified period to pursue work goals. These goals might include starting a business, returning to school, or obtaining specialized training necessary for employment.
PASS is designed to help beneficiaries achieve greater financial independence by allowing them to save money for work-related expenses without affecting their SSI benefits. This program empowers individuals to invest in their future and work towards self-sufficiency, reducing their reliance on public assistance.
12. Special Benefits for World War II Veterans
Certain World War II veterans who receive SSI or Social Security benefits might be eligible for additional special benefits. These benefits recognize the unique contributions and sacrifices made by veterans and provide them with extra financial support.
The special benefits program ensures that eligible veterans receive the assistance they need to cover living expenses and healthcare costs. It’s a way of honoring their service and providing them with the resources necessary for a dignified and comfortable life in their later years.
13. Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) Exemptions
The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) can reduce Social Security benefits for individuals who receive pensions from non-Social Security-covered employment. However, exemptions exist for those who meet specific criteria, such as having 30 or more years of substantial earnings covered by Social Security.
Understanding WEP exemptions is crucial for maximizing your Social Security benefits. If you qualify, you can avoid or reduce the impact of WEP on your retirement benefits, ensuring you receive the full amount you’re entitled to based on your earnings history.
14. Social Security for Domestic Violence Victims
In certain cases, Social Security benefits can provide support for domestic violence victims. If you need to change your Social Security number to escape an abuser, the SSA can facilitate this process, helping protect your identity and financial security.
Accessing Social Security benefits in this context provides a vital layer of support for victims, enabling them to rebuild their lives safely.
It’s an essential resource for those facing such challenging circumstances, offering both financial assistance and personal security.
15. Ticket to Work Program
The Ticket to Work program is a free and voluntary service designed to help Social Security beneficiaries who want to work. It provides access to employment services, vocational rehabilitation, and other support necessary to return to the workforce.
Participating in the Ticket to Work program allows individuals to explore employment opportunities without immediately losing their benefits. It offers a path to financial independence and greater self-sufficiency, with the flexibility to transition back to work at their own pace.
Understanding the various Social Security benefits available at any age can be a game-changer for financial stability. From disability benefits to supplemental income and survivor benefits, these programs provide crucial support in times of need.
By exploring and utilizing these benefits, you can secure financial assistance and improve your quality of life regardless of your age.
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
