Who is Eligible for the Social Security Bonus?

Are you looking for someone who is eligible for the social security bonus in USA? It is the right blog where we detailed out.

Many Americans have questions related with $16,728 social bonus. The truth is, there isn’t a special one-time check from the American government. The bonus refers to the fund that increases your social security benefits by knowing the eligibility rules and making smart retirement choices.  

This guide article helps you to know who qualifies for social security benefits and how it works.

Who is Eligible for the Social Security Bonus?

Many USA Citizens have questions about who is eligible for the social security bonus. As a worker, you will meet the following criteria to get social security benefits:

• You must be aged 62 or older or have a disability of blindness.
• You must be insured by earning enough work credits.
• You must be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present noncitizen (for application filed after December 1, 1996).

What are work credits?

Social Security depends on your work credits. You can earn up to four credits per year, it is as per your annual earnings. You need to earn four credits at least each year.

• Workers need 40 work credits within 10 years of work to qualify for retirement benefits.
• You need six work credits at minimum depending on your age.
• But Younger disability workers may qualify with fewer credits.  

Disability Benefits Eligibility

If you become disabled, the number of work credits you need depends on your age:

• Before age 24 – Six credits in the three years before your disability.
• Age 24 to 31 – Credits for working about half the time between age 21 and when you became disabled. Example: If you’re 27, you need 12 credits in the last six years.
• Age 31 and older – You generally need 20 credits earned in the last 10 years before your disability.

Family Members Who May Qualify

You know that Social Security benefits aren’t only for workers. Some family members can also claim benefits based on your work credits:

• Spouse: If aged 62 or older, or divorced after at least 10 years of marriage, or caring for your child under age 16 (or with a disability).
• Surviving Spouse: May Qualify at age 60 (or 50 with a disability).
• Divorced Surviving Spouse: Same as above if married for at least 10 years.
• Children: Unmarried children may qualify if they are under 18, between 18-19 in school, or 18+ with a disability that began before age 22.
• Parents: Dependent parents aged 62 or older of a deceased worker may qualify for benefits.

Stepchildren,adopted children and grandchildren may qualify for benefits in some cases.

The truth about the Social Security Bonus

The so-called $16,728 social security bonus comes from maximizing benefits, not from separate programs. It is based on work and credits, it is not identity based. It’s identity is work credit. If you meet eligibility rules, work longer and delaying retirement until age 70, many retirees can significantly increase their monthly social security checks in USA.

Conclusion

Social Security benefits provide based on eligibility, you need to the right age, work credits and legal status. Yes, family members can also qualify for this benefits based on your work record. But the $16,728 Social Security bonus isn’t a real check, it is the target of your that is planning and enjoying a more secure retirement. We suggest that always check the official website at ssa.gov or talk to a financial advisor before taking retirement decisions to get more benefits.

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