ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a general overview of the qualifications for retirement, disability, and Supplemental Security Income benefits. The Social Security regulations are quite complex. Only employment that is subject to wage taxes under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) qualifies as covered employment for Social Security purposes. Social Security benefits are available to workers who have paid FICA wage taxes for the required number of covered quarters of employment. The number of quarters of coverage determines if a person has reached insured status and is eligible for benefits. The Primary Insurance Amount is the monthly benefit paid by Social Security to a retired or disabled worker. Social Security benefits can be paid simultaneously to a retiree, the retiree’s current spouse, the retiree’s ex-spouse in some situations, and the retiree’s qualified children. Income that triggers a reduction in people's benefit includes any form of wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, and net earnings from self-employment.
