Who is Eligible for Social Security?

Peter Brissette • Jun 25, 2019

Guide to Social Security Benefits

Social Security benefits help citizens fund their health care needs when they reach a certain age. To decide if an applicant qualifies for these benefits, Social Security uses two standards: non-medical and medical disability criteria. These measurements help the agency determine whether your loved one is eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

Lighthouse Assisted Living Homes in Littleton CO helps families finance their loved one’s health care needs by providing relevant information on social security, its requirements, and benefits.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Supplemental Security Income supports the disabled, aged, and blind with little or no income. Beneficiaries receive cash to pay for basic needs, including clothing, food and shelter.

To be eligible for SSI, your loved one needs to meet the following conditions:

• Must be 65 or older, disabled or blind

• Must have limited resources and income

• Must be a citizen of the United States or should have a qualified alien status

• Must not have traveled out of the country for 30 days or longer

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Social Disability Insurance offers benefits to blind and disabled individuals who have contributed to the Social Security trust fund. Your family member may receive benefits even if they have not reached the required retirement age.

To qualify for SSDI, your loved one must complete the Disability Benefit application form and Medical Release form. Some personal information they need give are birth and citizenship information, names and birth dates of children, and employment history. They also need to provide their bank details and medical history.

Social Security Retirement Benefits

Your loved one is eligible for social security retirement benefits when they have paid social security taxes and have reached the minimum credit required for benefits. Individuals born in 1929 and later need 40 credits, which is equivalent to 10 years of work, to qualify for retirement benefits.

There are different ways to pay for the health care expenses of a family member. Lighthouse Assisted Living Homes in Littleton CO makes joining assisted living programs affordable by accepting different payment options, including long-term care insurance, Medicaid (with specific restrictions and limited availability), and private funds. Contact us to learn more about our services and the options available to you.

Assisted Living cost’s in Littleton Colorado can vary. Click the following link to learn the Ways To Pay For Assisted Living in Littleton, CO. If you have any questions please contact us and we will be happy to help you navigate your situation.

You can learn more about payment options and resources available in one of our other articles below.