What is Social Security Administration (SSA)?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is an agency that is responsible for overseeing and running the Social Security program in the U.S. Established in 1935, the agency manages and oversees the distribution of retirement, spousal, disability, and survivor benefits to eligible people.
The agency is also responsible for issuing Social Security numbers and cards, enrolling people in Medicare, and managing the SSI program.
Programs provided by the SSA
The agency maintains multiple programs that are designed to help U.S. citizens get financial assistance if and when required.
Retirement Benefits
The retirement benefits offered by SSA offer monthly income to people after their retirement or after their work hours have been reduced. These payments are based on lifetime earnings, meaning the more a person earns and contributes over the course of their working years, the higher the benefit will be. A person becomes eligible for retirement benefits at age 62, but full retirement benefits starts after age 67.
Disability Benefits
People who have a qualifying disability or blindness that stops them from working are eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). This monthly payment is offered to people who have a disability or condition that limits their ability to work for at least a year or they must have worked at least five out of the last ten years and paid into Social Security. They also must earn less than $1,620 per month or $2,700 if legally blind.
Survivor Benefits
Certain family members of workers who paid into Social Security and have since died can get financial support through the survivor benefits. In order to be eligible, the surviving spouse must have been married to the dead for at least nine months and be at least 60 years old (or 50 if disabled). Even ex-spouses can qualify if the marriage lasted at least 10 years. If the deceased’s children are unmarried and under the age of 18, or up to the age of 19 if they are still enrolled in school, they may also be eligible for benefits.
Family Benefits
Family Benefits are payments made to certain family members of people who are eligible for retirement or disability benefits. If a spouse is 62 or older, or if they are caring for a child under 16 or one with a disability, they may be eligible. Ex-spouses are also eligible if the marriage lasted at least 10 years. Unmarried children under the age of 18 (or up to 19 if still in full-time K–12 education), or at any age if they have a disability that began before age 22 are also eligible.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program administered by the SSA that provides financial assistance to individuals who have limited income and resources, are either age 65 or older, blind, or have a qualifying disability, and earn less than $2,000 ($3,000 for couples).
Medicare Benefits
The Social Security Administration administers Medicare benefits for people aged 65 or older, individuals with certain disabilities, or those with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).