Social Security is a government program that was passed by Congress in 1935 to make available to people of retirement age a monthly source of income up until the time of their death. Up until the time someone receives Social Security payments, money is taken out of this person's paycheck and put aside for retirement. The Social Security Act was amended in 1956 to include the availability of disability benefits to anyone who becomes disabled. Certain requirements must be met to be eligible for Social Security.
Citizenship
You must be a United States citizen or a legal alien to be eligible for Social Security benefits.
Social Security Contributions
You must work and put money towards Social Security benefits for a period of 10 years before you can collect Social Security benefits upon retirement.
Surviving Dependent
A surviving dependent (spouse or child) may be eligible to collect the Social Security benefits of a deceased spouse or parent if the deceased spouse or parent was due any Social Security benefits.
Dependent Grandchild or Child
A dependent grandchild or child (biological, adopted or stepchild) may qualify for a parent's Social Security benefits if that grandchild or child is single and under 18 years of age, is between the ages of 18 and 19 and attending school full time (below grade 12), or was disabled before the age of 22 and is 18 years of age and up.
Child Supporting a Senior Parent
If a child supports a senior parent and contributes 50 percent to that support, the senior parent may be eligible for the Social Security benefits of that child if that child dies.
Ex-Spouse
Anyone divorced from someone 62 years of age or older may be eligible for their ex-spouses' benefits.
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