Legal Definitions - SSA

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is an independent agency of the United States federal government. Its primary mission is to administer the Social Security program, which provides social insurance benefits to millions of Americans. These benefits include retirement income, disability payments, and survivor benefits for families of deceased workers. The SSA also manages the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, which provides financial assistance to low-income individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled, and is responsible for issuing Social Security numbers.

Here are some examples of how the SSA's functions apply in different situations:

• Applying for Retirement Benefits: After working for over 40 years, Maria is approaching her full retirement age and decides to retire. She visits the official SSA website to submit her application for Social Security retirement benefits, which will provide her with a monthly income during her retirement years.

  This example illustrates the SSA's core function of administering retirement insurance, allowing eligible individuals to claim benefits they have earned through their contributions over their working lives.

• Seeking Disability Support: David, a construction worker, suffers a severe workplace injury that leaves him unable to perform his job or any other substantial gainful activity. After his doctors confirm his long-term disability, he applies to the SSA for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) to receive financial assistance while he is unable to work.

  This demonstrates the SSA's role in providing a safety net for workers who become disabled and can no longer earn a living, offering crucial financial support through the SSDI program.

• Accessing Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Mrs. Chen is an elderly widow with very limited income and no significant assets, making it difficult for her to cover her basic living expenses. She applies to the SSA for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a needs-based program designed to provide financial aid to aged, blind, and disabled individuals with low income and resources.

  This scenario highlights the SSA's administration of the SSI program, which provides a vital financial lifeline to vulnerable individuals who may not qualify for traditional Social Security benefits or whose benefits are insufficient to meet their basic needs.