Social Security

Am I eligible for social security benefits based on my disability?

Yes, if you are disabled, you might be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in Nevada. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is a federal agency, so the requirements are generally consistent across states, including Nevada.

Eligibility for Social Security Disability Benefits:

  1. Work Credits: SSDI benefits are based on your earnings record. You earn work credits based on your annual income. The number of credits you need depends on your age when you became disabled. For most people, you need 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years ending with the year you became disabled.
  2. Severity of Disability: Your disability must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial gainful activity (SGA). As of 2021, the SSA defines SGA as earning more than $1,310 per month from work. However, this amount may change over time.
  3. Long-Term Disability: Your disability must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
  4. Medical Condition Qualification: The SSA maintains a list of medical conditions that are so severe they automatically mean you’re disabled. If your condition is not on the list, the SSA has to decide if it’s severe enough to qualify.

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Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in Nevada is a federally governed program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that provides monthly financial benefits to individuals who have worked in the past, paid into the Social Security system through their taxes, but are now unable to work due to a severe medical condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. This program is not specific to Nevada but follows the federal guidelines and regulations.

Nevada’s residents apply for SSDI through the SSA, either online, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. The process involves the collection of detailed information about the applicant’s medical condition, work history, education, and functional limitations. The initial determination typically takes three to five months, although the duration may vary depending on the complexity of the case and the workload of the adjudication office.

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Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in Nevada is a federal income supplement program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to provide financial assistance to people with low income who are either aged (65 years or older), blind, or disabled.

SSI is designed to help cover basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. Although a federal program, SSI benefits can be supplemented by the state of Nevada, which is optional and varies from state to state.

The amount of SSI benefit that a person can receive is dependent on their income, resources, and living arrangements. For example, the monthly federal SSI payment reduces when the recipient has other income. In terms of resources, an individual may have up to $2,000 or a couple up to $3,000 to be eligible for SSI. Certain resources may not count, such as the home one lives in.

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Social Security Retirement Benefits

Social Security Retirement Benefits in Nevada function similarly to those in the rest of the United States, as they are federal benefits. However, there are certain factors and regulations unique to Nevada that can influence your experience with Social Security.

Eligibility: To qualify for retirement benefits, you must have accumulated enough Social Security credits through your working years. Generally, you need at least 40 credits (10 years of work). The amount you receive upon retirement depends on your lifetime earnings, adjusted to account for changes in average wages since the year you started working.

Application: Applications can be made online through the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) website, by phone, or at one of the several local Social Security offices throughout Nevada. It’s advised to apply three months before when you want your benefits to start.

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Social Security Survivors Benefits

Social Security Survivors Benefits, administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), are a crucial part of the safety net for families in the United States, including those in Nevada. This federal program provides financial support to family members when a worker who paid into Social Security dies.

Eligibility: The deceased worker must have accrued enough Social Security credits through their working history. Typically, 40 credits (10 years of work) are needed, but fewer credits are required for younger workers.

Who Can Receive Benefits: A wide range of family members may be eligible for Survivors Benefits:

  1. Widows or widowers age 60 or older (50 if disabled), or at any age if caring for the deceased’s child under 16 or disabled.
  2. Unmarried children under 18, or up to age 19 if they are full-time students (up to grade 12). Disabled children can receive benefits at any age if they were disabled before age 22.
  3. Dependents parents, 62 or older.
  4. Under certain circumstances, stepchildren, grandchildren, or adopted children.

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