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Social Security

Information

What is Social Security?

Social Security is a United States federal program developed in 1935 to aid people with social insurance and benefits. Social Security benefits can include retirement income, disability income, Medicare and Medicaid, and death and survivorship benefits.

What type of benefits does Social Security Offer?

Social Security Income (SSI)

  • SSI makes monthly payments to individuals who have low income and few resources, and who are: age 65 or older, blind, or disabled. SSI is federal supplemental income program which is funded by general tax revenues, not Social Security Taxes.   

  • The benefits are used to meet basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. Benefit eligibly depends on your income and resources.

 

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

  • SSDI makes monthly benefits to workers who are no longer able to work due to a significant illness or impairment that is expected to last at least one year or to result in death within a year. It is also part of the Social Security program that pays retirement benefits to the vast majority of older Americans.

  • Benefits are based on the disabled workers past earning and are paid to the disabled worker and to his or her dependent family members.

For More Information

  • Call Social Security's toll-free number: 1-800-722-1213

  • Make an appointment at our local Social Security Office:

    • 138 W 1st St                                    Port Angeles, WA 98362

Forms

  • Application for Disablity Insurance Benifits Form

  • Disability Report - Adult

  • Working with SSI or SSDI

Can I work while receiving SSI or SSDI?

The answer is YES! Social Security wants people to try to go back to work. However, there are rules that apply while working in regard to staying eligible for benefits.

SSI Benefits

  • If you get SSI, you must contact the social security office right away when you:

    • Start or Stop work

    • Your duties, hours, or pay changes

    • You start paying expenses for work because of your disability

  • SSI payments are based on how much income you receive each month. As your income goes up, your SSI payments will usually go down.

  • While working, Social Security will not count the first $85.00 of your earnings each month. After the $85.00, Social Security will reduce your benefit payment by $0.50 for each dollar you make.

SSDI Benefits

  • SSDI Benefits Individuals receiving SSDI benefits are able to work if the individual is not working at “Substantial gainful activity”

    • (SGA) SGA: is when an individual is making more than $1,130 per month (2016) or $1,820 if the individual is blind.

  • Individuals are also allowed to work when they are completing a Trial Work Period.

    • Trial Work Period: is a period of time when a SSDI recipient are able to test their ability to work and receive full benefits regardless of whether they make more than the SGA amount.

YES

Money Matters Class

Learn how working and your benefits can go hand in hand.

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