RE: social security benefit after age 60

[National Dialogue Moderator <moderator>]

> From: "john smith" <greencard65@hotmail.com> 
> To: info@network-democracy.org
> Subject: social security benefit after age 60 
> Date: Sun, 25 Apr 1999 08:25:13 GMT
>      
> Dear Sir:
> 
> Hello!
>      
> How are you? I am above 60 years old, and I would like to know what 
> kind of benefits can I avail through Social Security plan such as 
> pension and other related benefits.
>      
> How can I apply to avail? Please provide me with all the details as 
> soon as possible.
>      
> Thanks for your help.
>      
> Bye
> Ahmed
>      
> my email address :
>      
> GREENCARD65@HOTMAIL.COM
     
     
	RESPONSE FROM THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION:

At age 60, you can be eligible for benefits based on your own earnings 
only if you are disabled.  The definition of disability in the Social 
Security law is a strict one.  To be eligible for benefits, you must 
be unable to do any substantial gainful work because of a medical 
condition that can be expected either to last for at least 12 months 
or to end in death.  Your impairment--or combination of 
impairments--must be of such severity that you are unable to do your 
previous work and cannot do any other work considering your age, 
education, and work experience.  If the evidence indicates that you 
can do other work, even if it involves different skills or pays less 
than your previous work, you cannot be considered disabled for Social 
Security purposes.

Again, based on your own earnings, you may be eligible for reduced 
retirement benefits age 62.

If you are a widower, you may be eligible for benefits based on your 
wife's earnings.  Benefits are payable to disabled widowers at age 50 
and at age 60 to widowers who are not disabled.  

Further information about these benefits, and how you can apply for 
them, is available at the Social Security Administration's web site, 
Social Security Online, at

               http://www.ssa.gov


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