A view on the Social Security Administration and its Programs
Every qualified American worker has in some way or the other have dealt with the office of Social Security Administration whether in claiming some benefits like, old-age, survivors and disability. However, despite the constant dealings and transactions held in the office, it was found that there are considerable portions of the populace who have not known the foundation of the office or has no real knowledge about the import of the office.
This fact was something ironic, and something to be wary about, as common sense and practice would dictate that in every transaction that we people make, we should know whom we are dealing with.
Social Security Administration, Brief history
In an attempt to limit what were viewed as dangers in the modern American life, which encompasses old age, poverty, unemployment, and the burdens of widows and parentless children, and in order to answer the then Great Depression of the 1930s, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (in its advocacy) waged a measure to implement social insurance to address these issues.
With this endeavor, Franklin Delano Roosevelt drafted the first Social Security measure, the Social Security Act of 1935, (August 14, 1935) ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620. The Act was passed through the joint efforts and cooperation of Roosevelt’s committee on economic security, under Edwin Witte and the Congress.
The United States Social Security Administration was established by a law, formerly cited as the Social Security Act, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620 (otherwise known as the Old Age Pension Act) and currently codified at 42 U.S.C. section 901.
Social Security Administration, the Office
The United States Social Security Administration (SSA) is one of the independent agencies of the United States federal government tasked to administer Social Security programs across the country. The agency has 10 regional offices, 8 processing centers, approximately 1300 field offices, and 37 Teleservice Centers.
The Social Security Administration has its Central Office in Woodlawn, Maryland, the only federally created office that has its main headquarters located outside Washington, the Capital State.
Social Security Administration, Administered Benefits
At present times, there are still growing debate and controversy over the expansion of Social Security welfare benefits as well as in the operation and administration of these benefits.
However, for informational purposes, the Social Security Administration administers a number of Social insurance programs, consisting primarily of the Federal Old-Age, Survivors, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Health Insurance for Aged and Disabled (Medicare), and Disability Insurance.
Federal Old Age
Retirement Insurance Benefits (RIB) otherwise known as Old-age Insurance Benefits are social insurance payments paid based upon the attainment of old age, that is, 62 years old or older. To be entitled to this benefit, certain requirements must be met, which comprise of the following:
• The applicant must be fully insured under the Social Security system
• Have attained the age of 62
• Have applied for the benefits or have been automatically converted from Disability Insurance Benefits at Full Retirement Age
The foregoing requirements are based primarily on both age and payments made into the Social Security System through payroll taxes.
Survivor’s Insurance Program
Under the Survivor Benefits program of the Social Security Administration, certain family members of a worker who dies may be eligible of financial support if they meet certain requirements. From the requirements, the most important part is that the decedent must have earned enough work credits and have paid his/her Social Security taxes promptly in order for their survivors to qualify in such program.
The covered family member comprises as follows:
• A widow/widower with relative requirements based on their status
• A widow/widower at any age if he or she takes care of the deceased's child under age 16 or disabled, who receives Social Security Survivor Benefit
• Unmarried children under 18, or up to age 19 if they are attending elementary or secondary school (high school) full time
• A child who is disabled before he/ she reaches the age 22 and remains disabled
• Under certain circumstances, stepchildren, grandchildren or adopted children • Dependent parents at age 62 or older
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income (or SSI) is a cash benefit paid by the Social Security Administration provided to the aged (legally deemed to be 65 or older), blind, or disabled persons based on need and to individuals who have both limited income and limited resources.
For an individual or couples to be eligible or to qualify for SSI, they must be disabled, blind (20/200 or less in your better eye with glasses or a field of vision less than 20 degrees), or aged (65 years of age or older) and have little or no income and resources. Individuals or couples also must be U.S. citizens. There are however certain exceptions for non-citizens.
Health Insurance for Aged and Disabled (Medicare)
Medicare is a social insurance program that provides health insurance coverage to people who are either age 65 and over, or who meet other special criteria. The program generally helps with the cost of health care. However, as a note, the program does not cover all medical expenses or cost of most long-term care. Medicare comprises four parts:
• Part A Hospital insurance
• Part B Medical insurance
• Part C Medicare Advantage
• Part D Prescription drug coverage
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Disability Insurance program pays benefits to a covered worker who suffers some form of disability and also to certain members of his or her family, intended to be provided until their condition improves, and is intended to guarantee income if the individual's condition does not improve.
To be entitled to this benefit, a person must have the following qualifications:
• He/she must have suffered from a defined disability under the SSA criteria, meaning, that he/she has a physical or mental condition that prevents him/her from engaging in any substantial gainful work
• That his/her condition is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
• That he/she is under the age of 65
• That he/she has worked 5 out of the last 10 years
Our experienced Los Angeles social security lawyers are familiar with handling disability benefit claims and other related issues. You can visit our website to avail of our free case analysis.
About the Author
Before becoming an online writer, Claysphere worked as a legal researcher, data analyst, and lyricist in a local band in his hometown. He has a degree in law, and worked for several law offices as a paralegal, office staff and as a researcher. He has continued to write topics relating to his learning in law.
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