How Do You Apply For Social Security Income?
Each payday, money is deducted from your paycheck for Social Security taxes and the amount you pay is matched by your employer. In return you (or your surviving spouse in most cases) get Social Security income when you reach retirement age. In addition, Social Security provides income if you become disabled and for those who are unable to work due to disability from childhood. When you apply for Social Security income the application automatically includes an application for Medicare, although it is a separate program and is funded separately. Determine if you are eligible to apply for Social Security income. You must have worked and paid Social Security tax for at least 10 years (the minimum for eligibility for disability income is less and depends on your age) and be at least 62, or be the spouse or disabled child (if the disability onset was prior to the child’s 22nd birthday). You should consider your options carefully when you reach 62. Although you can get Social Security income,
