Chapter 9

What is considered to be the definition of disability, according to Social Security?

Unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity". As part of its definition of disability, Social Security requires that a disability claimant (applicant) be unable to perform what it calls substantial gainful activity (SGA).

How does one qualify as a fully-insured individual under Social Security disability coverage?

Under Social Security disability coverage, a fully-insured individual is one who has been credited with the appropriate number of quarters of coverage.

A worker is entitled to Social Security disability benefits if all of the following are true, EXCEPT for:

A worker is entitled to Social Security disability benefits if all of these are true EXCEPT for "worker cannot perform his or her current job, but is actively seeking other employment".

An individual that has 40 quarters of coverage, for Social Security purposes, is considered to be

An individual that has 40 quarters of coverage, for Social Security purposes, is considered to be fully insured.

At what age is a surviving spouse without dependents eligible for Social Security survivor benefits?

Reduced widow or widower benefits can be received as early as age 60.

Which statement is NOT true regarding Social Security benefits?

Social Security Disability benefits are NOT designed to replace 100% of the worker's earnings. Benefits are based on the worker's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) and paid as a percentage of the worker's PIA.

All of the following statements correctly describe the purpose of Social Security EXCEPT

Social Security enhances, but does not replace, a sound personal insurance plan.

Who is eligible for retirement benefits under Social Security?

Social Security retirement benefits are only available to covered workers who are fully insured upon retirement.

The reason for social insurance is to

The reason for social insurance is to protect certain vulnerable segments of the population.

Which Social Security status does a worker with 6 quarters of coverage during the last 13- quarter period have?

To be considered "currently insured ' you must have 6 quarters of coverage during the last 1 3-quarter period.

According to Social Security, an individual with 6 credits of coverage during the previous 13- quarter period is considered to be:

To be considered "currently insured" and eligible for limited survivor benefits, you must have 6 credits of coverage during the last 13-quarter period.

In order to be considered "currently insured" under Social Security, an individual must be credited with:

To reach currently insured status under the Social Security system, an individual must be credited with a MINIMUM 6 quarters of coverage during the last 13-quarter period.

Who is NOT eligible for Social Security survivor benefits?

Only dependent parents age 62 or older can receive survivorship benefits if they were dependent upon the deceased worker for at least half of their support.

What determines the Social Security normal retirement age?

The Social Security normal retirement age depends upon the worker's year of birth.