SENIOR CENTER HOSTS SOCIAL SECURITY SEMINAR
By Harison J. Bahe
On December 10th, 2024, the Fort McDowell Tribal Library in association with the Fort McDowell Elder Center hosted a seminar about Social Security Benefits which was presented by Jack Burns, a Public Affairs Specialist for Arizona from the Social Security Administration with a focus on Indigenous peoples. Burns went over numerous Social Security topics and even answered some frequently asked questions regarding benefits.
The first topic of discussion addressed the future of Social Security. Many concerns have been raised due to a potentially uncertain political future given the many rumors and reports of Social Security being drastically reduced or all together ending. Burns assured those in attendance that the two Social Security trust funds – Old Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) and Disability Insurance (DI) – will be able to pay all benefits in full and on time until 2035. The trust funds have come close to running out of asset reserves in the past, but Congress made substantial changes to prevent this. If Congress does not act before 2035, the trust funds will still be able to pay 83% of each benefit due.
I bet you’re wondering how you can qualify for retirement and Medicare? Well, here are some ways you can do just that. First, you can qualify by earning “credits” when you work and pay Social Security taxes. You need 40 credits (10 years of work) and you must be 62 or older for benefits and must be 65 for Medicare. Each $1,730 in earnings gives you one credit so this means you can earn a maximum of 4 credits per year. For example, to earn 4 credits in 2024, you must earn at least $6,920.
Currently, there are two ways to apply for benefits through Social Security. First is through their website www.SSA.gov. The second way is to call them at the number 1-800-772-1213. Either of those options will enable you to schedule an appointment but in-office appointments are no longer required but they do come strongly recommended.
Burns also discussed Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) which provides a monthly benefit to people who are no longer able to work because of significant disabling conditions. SSA does not pay for partial or temporary disability benefits, however. So, who is SSDI for? It’s for people who cannot perform substantial work activity. They may be eligible for the service if they have a medical condition expected to last 12 months or result in death, are younger than full retirement age (FRA) and earn less than the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit, or have recent work and a certain number of work credits based on age.
Another topic of discussion was Supplemental Security Income (SSI) which is a federal program that provides monthly payments to people who have limited income and resources. The program is for people who are 65 or older, as well as for those of any age, including children who are blind or who have disabilities and have limited income and resources.
So, when can you sign up for Medicare? The Initial Enrollment Period is your first opportunity to enroll. This would be 3 months before you turn the age 65, the month you turn age 65, or 3 months after you turn age 65. The General Enrollment Period is annually from January 1st to March 31st. A Special Enrollment Period is during any month you remain covered under the group health plan and your, or your spouse’s, current employment continues; or in the eight month period that begins with the month your group health plan coverage or the current employment it is based on ends. Whichever comes first.
If you can’t afford to pay your Medicare premiums and other medical costs, you may be able to get help from your state. States offer Medicare Saving Programs for people entitled to Medicare who have limited income. Some programs may pay for Medicare premiums and some pay Medicare deductibles and coinsurance. To be eligible, you may have Medicare Part A and have limited income and resources. Only your state can decide if you are eligible for help under these programs. To find out, contact your state or local medical assistance (Medicaid) agency, social services, or welfare office.
The seminar ended with Burns encouraging anyone to contact him with any questions you may have regarding Social Security. You can email him at john.p.burns@ssa.gov or give him a call at 1-800-772-1213. If you do have an inquiries regarding any of the topics discussed above, you are strongly encouraged to give Mr. Burns a ring or an email.
