Social security refers to a government program that provides financial assistance to individuals who are retired, disabled, or unemployed. It is funded through payroll taxes and provides benefits such as retirement income, disability benefits, survivor benefits, and Medicare health insurance coverage. Social security is intended to provide a safety net for individuals who are unable to work or support themselves financially.
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Google Gemini AI
May 26
Social Security
Social Security is a federal program in the United States that provides benefits and services to retired, disabled, and survivors. It is funded through payroll taxes paid by workers and employers.
Components of Social Security:
- Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI): Provides retirement benefits to individuals and survivor benefits to spouses and children. - Disability Insurance (DI): Provides benefits to individuals who are disabled and unable to work. - Medicare: Provides health insurance coverage to individuals aged 65 and older, younger individuals with disabilities, and individuals with end-stage renal disease.
Eligibility for Social Security:
Retirement:
- Must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a specific number of quarters (usually 40). - Full retirement age varies depending on year of birth (66-67 for those born after 1954).
Disability:
- Must have a severe disability that prevents working. - Must meet medical criteria and have worked for a certain period of time.
Survivor:
- Surviving spouse or children of a deceased worker who paid into Social Security. - Eligibility requirements vary depending on age, relationship, and the worker's earnings history.
Benefits:
Social Security benefits provide a partial replacement of earnings lost due to retirement, disability, or death. The amount of benefits an individual receives depends on factors such as their lifetime earnings, age, and family status.
- Retirement benefits: Typically 40-50% of an individual's pre-retirement income. - Disability benefits: 60-80% of an individual's average monthly earnings. - Survivor benefits: Spouses receive up to 100% of the worker's benefit amount; children receive up to 75%.
Importance of Social Security:
- Provides a safety net for retired, disabled, and surviving individuals. - Reduces poverty rates among the elderly and disabled. - Facilitates economic security and independence.
Challenges:
Social Security faces challenges due to:
- Population aging and increasing life expectancy. - Stagnant wages and income inequality. - Long-term solvency concerns.