Many Ohio residents have misconceptions about the Social Security system. They may think that it only covers a person's retirement, but it does much more than that. Besides providing retirement benefits for approximately 41 million Americans, Social Security also provides SSDI benefits for those who suffer a disability and are unable to work for an extended period of time.
Social Security is designed to help people of all ages. Those who work and pay taxes can expect to receive monthly benefits once they retire. However, if they become disabled before they retire, they can receive benefits if their disability lasts at least one year or is life-threatening. Not only that, but minor children who depend on the person's income for support are also covered through Social Security. If the children have severe disabilities, they may be covered up to age 22. Otherwise, they can be covered until age 19 if they are still in high school.
Social Security can even help grandchildren or parents who depend on the disabled person's income. If the person dies, the surviving family members can also receive survivor's benefits. So everyone - young and old - can benefit from the Social Security system.
It is important to understand that not everyone who is seriously injured is eligible to receive SSDI benefits. The disability must last longer than one year and affect a person's ability to work. The Social Security office will determine a person's level of disability based on income and the person's employment situation. For those who meet the minimum requirements, Social Security can be a valuable source of income. It provides financial help to millions of disabled people and their families.
Source: The Cheraw Chronicle, "Social Security benefits cover various situations," Brenda Brown, June 11, 2014
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