Can you receive social security benefits if under 61years of age?

ironk

Senior member
Jun 18, 2001
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I mean, say you're like 30 and get disabled. How do you go applying for disability benefits? I tried out the online application because i wanted to see, but if you put in a birthdate which makes you less than 61years and 8months, the application gives an error. Is this something that can't be done online or can't be done at all?

Thanks.
 

zanieladie

Diamond Member
Jan 19, 2003
3,280
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Try calling SSA and talk to a rep...

I thnk certain conditions apply...like disability, survivor's benefits, stuff like that.

1-800-772-1213 (just plan on being on the phone for a LONG time)
 

TraumaRN

Diamond Member
Jun 5, 2005
6,893
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Yea my sister has been collecting SSI for nearly two years now. And she's only 20.

As soon as she turned 18 we applied and were approved a short time later.
 

EyeMWing

Banned
Jun 13, 2003
15,670
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Originally posted by: her209
I think its b.s. what counts for disability these days.

Yea, my mother can't collect because she's not disabled. She's only incapable of movement and dying. Even tried fighting it through legal means... And then they pulled some BS about her not having paid enough in... Even though there are a bajillion people out there who never paid ANYTHING in collecting out. The whole damned thing is corrupt.
 

BoomerD

No Lifer
Feb 26, 2006
64,700
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Be prepared for a long fight however. I believe the AVERAGE is 3 denials before they finally accept a disability claim. Many people who are 100% disabled fight them for years...
 

ironk

Senior member
Jun 18, 2001
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alright, so in other words, you have to call them or go to a social security office in person. It can't be done online for people under 61?
 

jagec

Lifer
Apr 30, 2004
24,442
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Originally posted by: ironk
alright, so in other words, you have to call them or go to a social security office in person. It can't be done online for people under 61?

A lot of things in life can't be done online.
 

episodic

Lifer
Feb 7, 2004
11,088
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Originally posted by: ironk
alright, so in other words, you have to call them or go to a social security office in person. It can't be done online for people under 61?



I mean, all the posts are really clear. You have a legal fight on your hands basically. Be prepared to lawyer up. No you can't do it online.
 

BoomerD

No Lifer
Feb 26, 2006
64,700
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There's a BIG difference between Social Security Disability, and "SSI" ...Here's the "official" description:

The Social Security Administration is responsible for two major programs that provide benefits based on disability: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is based on prior work under Social Security, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Under SSI, payments are made on the basis of financial need.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is financed with Social Security taxes paid by workers, employers, and self-employed persons. To be eligible for a Social Security benefit, the worker must earn sufficient credits based on taxable work to be "insured" for Social Security purposes. Disability benefits are payable to blind or disabled workers, widow(er)s, or adults disabled since childhood, who are otherwise eligible. The amount of the monthly disability benefit is based on the Social Security earnings record of the insured worker.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program financed through general revenues. SSI disability benefits are payable to adults or children who are disabled or blind, have limited income and resources, meet the living arrangement requirements, and are otherwise eligible. The monthly payment varies up to the maximum federal benefit rate, which may be supplemented by the State or decreased by countable income and resources. See http://www.socialsecurity.gov/notices/s...security-income/text-benefits-ussi.htm for an explanation of SSI benefit payment rates.


Right now, SSI pays about $600./month. SSDI is determined by how much you have paid in while working. I've paid in to the system for over 35 yrs, (usually maxed out) and my disability payment would be somewhere around $1900. You should get a SS statement every year, listing your employeers contributions for the previous year, and an estimated benefit amount. Keep those, and cross check the amounts listed against your w-2's for accuracy. MUCH easier to correct it now, than in 10 orr 20 or 30 years, when you no longer have the information...