Social Security is a vital insurance program that provides a necessary safety net for Americans who are retired or unable to work. Some Social Security benefits are automatic for workers with sufficient work history, while other applicants may have to navigate a lengthy, confusing application process. However, there are ways to get through the process seamlessly if armed with the right information. Below are the four basic types of Social Security benefits.

What Are the Different Types of Social Security Benefits?

1. Retirement Benefits

Americans who spent enough years paying into the system through their payroll taxes automatically qualify for retirement benefits when they turn 62. However, the benefit amounts gradually increase until you reach full retirement age, which is for taxpayers born after 1960.

2. Social Security Disability

If a serious illness or major injury leaves you unable to support yourself, Social Security Disability provides cash benefits and access to medical care. To qualify, applicants must have sufficient work history and convince the Social Security Administration that they are incapable of performing any work at all.

3. Dependent’s Benefits

In some cases, a worker’s eligibility for Social Security benefits may extend to their spouses or children. Parents may receive cash benefits on behalf of their children until they turn 18 unless the child is disabled or still in school.

4. Survivors Benefits

If the primary worker in a family passes away, their spouses and children may still collect benefits based on their work history. The amount available depends on the worker’s age and how many work credits they had earned at the time of their death.

Getting the Social Security benefits you deserve can be an overwhelming, frustrating process, which is why families throughout North Georgia turn to Stow Garvin & Glenn. With more than 60 years of combined legal experience and in-depth knowledge of the Social Security system, you can rely on their team to provide detailed guidance and the best results possible. Visit their website for more information on their disability representation services, or call (770) 534-5265 to schedule a consultation today.