Social Security Updates: New Requirements for September Check Collection
Over 70 million Americans receive Social Security benefits each month, but eligibility is contingent on meeting specific conditions set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA administers the retirement, survivor, and disability insurance (RSDI) program, which provides monthly benefits to retirees, survivors, and individuals with disabilities. Additionally, they offer Supplemental Security Income (SSI), designed to assist low-income seniors over 65, disabled individuals who haven’t contributed to Social Security, and certain children in specific financial situations.
Requirements for Social Security Payments in September
Retirement Benefits
The eligibility criteria differ based on the type of Social Security benefit you are applying for. To qualify for retirement benefits, you must meet the full retirement age (FRA) rules, which currently start at age 62, and have paid Social Security taxes for at least ten years. This translates to accumulating at least 40 Social Security credits, which are based on your total earnings and self-employment income. Generally, one credit is earned by working approximately a full year, though this may vary.
While having the required Social Security credits is essential for retirement eligibility, it does not influence the amount of your monthly benefit. The number of credits impacts your eligibility for retirement and other benefits like disability, Medicare, and survivor benefits, but not the actual benefit amounts. If you haven’t worked or contributed in the last ten years, the SSA can still calculate your eligibility based on your current or former spouse’s employment record, which requires information about your marriage history to determine the maximum benefit.
Disability Benefits
To apply for disability benefits, you must also have earned Social Security credits. SSDI benefits are granted only to those who have paid payroll taxes prior to becoming disabled. If you haven’t made these contributions, you can apply for SSI, which does not have this requirement. Additionally, you must provide medical evidence of a disability that prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA) for at least 12 months, or proof of blindness.
Once approved for disability benefits, your monthly payments will generally continue until you can return to work. The SSA also offers work incentives that allow for continued benefits and health insurance while transitioning back to employment. Upon reaching full retirement age, your SSDI benefits will automatically convert into retirement benefits.
Additional Conditions for Collecting Social Security Payments
In addition to the aforementioned requirements, beneficiaries must meet two more conditions to receive their Social Security payments in the upcoming weeks. According to the Social Security payment schedule, only retired workers and disabled individuals who applied for benefits after May 1997 and were born on the following dates will receive checks soon:
- Born between the 11th and 20th: Payments will be issued on Wednesday, September 18th.
- Born between the 21st and 31st: Payments will be issued on Wednesday, September 25th.
