Types of Federal and State Benefits
Social Security benefits, disability benefits, Medicare benefits, survivor’s benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Main Points
- Many programs can help with money, health care, and food.
- Some benefits are based on your work history.
- Other benefits are based on your income and needs.
- You can apply online for most programs.
Social Security Benefits
Social Security offers several kinds of benefits:
- Retirement Benefits
- Disability Benefits
- Medicare Benefits
- Survivor’s Benefits
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Social Security Retirement Benefits
Most people who have worked can get retirement benefits.
How much you get depends on:
- How much you earned
- How long you worked and paid Social Security taxes
- The age when you start benefits
What to do
- Apply online through Social Security
- Use online tools to estimate your monthly benefit
Social Security Disability Benefits
You may qualify if:
- You worked long enough, and earned enough
- You have a severe medical or mental health condition or both, that keeps you from working
- Your medical or mental health conditions have lasted or can be expected to last for 12 months in a row or more
Benefits may also go to some family members.
What to do
- Read about disability benefits online
- Apply through the Social Security website
Medicare Benefits
Medicare helps pay for health care.
Who can get it:
- Most people age 65 and older
- Some people under 65 with certain disabilities
What to do
- Learn about Medicare online
- Apply through Social Security
Survivor’s Benefits
After a worker dies, Social Security may pay benefits to family members.
Who may qualify:
- A spouse
- Children
- Other dependents
What to do
- Read about survivor’s benefits
- Contact Social Security to apply
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI benefits are monthly income to people who:
- Are age 65 or older, blind, or disabled, and
- Have low income and few resources
Important to know:
- SSI is needs-based
- It is paid from general tax funds, not Social Security taxes
What to do
- Read about SSI
- Apply online through Social Security
Other Types Of Benefits
You may also qualify for help with:
- Cash
- Food
- Medical care
- Heating and electric costs
Eligibility depends on:
- Age
- Income
- Household size
- Disability
- Resources
Benefits From NH Department Of Health And Human Services
These programs are run by New Hampshire DHHS:
- Financial Aid to Needy Families (FANF) – Cash help for families with children
- SNAP (Food Stamps / EBT)– Help buying food
- Aid to the Permanently and Totally Disabled (APTD) – Cash and medical help for people with disabilities
- Aid to the Needy Blind (ANB)– Cash and medical help for people who are blind
- Old Age Assistance (OAA) – Cash and medical help for people who are older
- Fuel assistance– Help paying heating bills
- WIC– Food and nutrition help for women, infants, and children
What to do
- Visit NH DHHS to apply for these programs or apply online.
Find Benefits You May Qualify For
The Benefits CheckUp tool can help you:
- Find benefit programs
- See what you may qualify for
It works for people of all ages.
What to do
- Use the Benefits CheckUp tool online