April 2023

How Quarters of Coverage are Credited for Social Security Disability, § 404.143

Leave a Comment / Fully Insured Status, Understanding Insured Status and Quarters of Coverage under Social Security / April 3, 2023

If you are applying for Social Security Disability benefits, you may be wondering how quarters of coverage (QCs) are credited and what is required for eligibility. According to § 404.143 of the Social Security Administration (SSA) guidelines, QCs are credited for calendar years after 1977 based on the total wages paid and self-employment income credited …

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Calculating Your Average Monthly Wage: A Guide to § 404.221

Leave a Comment / Average Indexed Monthly Earnings, Calculating Your Average Monthly Wage: / April 3, 2023

In § 404.221, the Social Security Administration (SSA) outlines the process of computing your average monthly wage, a crucial factor in determining your primary insurance amount (PIA) for disability benefits. https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/404/404-0221.htm Here’s a step-by-step overview of the average monthly wage computation: Determine your creditable earnings: Your average monthly wage is based on your wages, compensation, self-employment …

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Understanding the Average-Monthly-Wage Method for Calculating Your Primary Insurance Amount, § 404.220

Leave a Comment / Primary Insurance Amount / April 3, 2023

If you reached age 62, became disabled, or died before 1979, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may calculate your primary insurance amount (PIA) using the average-monthly-wage method. https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/404/404-0220.htm This method can also apply under certain conditions if you reached age 62 between 1979 and 1984. In this blog post, we’ll break down the average-monthly-wage method …

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Understanding Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME) in Social Security, § 404.211

Leave a Comment / Average Indexed Monthly Earnings / April 3, 2023

To simplify the explanation, the Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME) is a calculation used to determine your Social Security benefits. It takes into account your earnings history in order to estimate the benefits you will receive when you retire or become disabled. https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/404/404-0211.htm Here’s a breakdown of the process: Earnings used: Social Security earnings from …

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Understanding Primary Insurance Amount Calculations: A Guide to Social Security Disability, § 404.204

Leave a Comment / Amount Calculations / April 3, 2023

When it comes to Social Security Disability benefits, your primary insurance amount (PIA) plays a crucial role in determining your monthly payment. https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/404/404-0204.htm There are several methods used to compute your PIA, which can be confusing to navigate. In this blog post, we will break down the general methods and special methods for calculating PIAs, …

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Navigating Disability Insured Status: A Comprehensive Guide, § 404.130

Leave a Comment / Fully Insured Status / April 3, 2023

Understanding the rules for determining disability insured status is crucial for those seeking Social Security Disability benefits. https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/404/404-0130.htm In this blog post, we will break down the four different rules laid out in § 404.130, helping you to better comprehend the requirements for disability insurance benefits and periods of disability. Four Rules for Determining Disability Insured …

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Understanding §404 Definitions: A Simplified Guide

Leave a Comment / Glossary of Definitions / April 2, 2023

Navigating the world of Social Security Disability can be complex and confusing. https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/404/404-0102.htm In an effort to simplify the process and help you better understand the terminology, we have broken down the definitions from 404.102 into a more digestible format. Below, you’ll find a brief explanation of each term, so you can feel more confident and …

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Understanding How Quarters of Coverage are Credited for Social Security Disability Benefits, § 404.144

Leave a Comment / Understanding Insured Status and Quarters of Coverage under Social Security, What is a Quarter of Coverage? / April 3, 2023

Quarters of Coverage (QCs) are a critical factor in determining eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits. https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/404/404-0144.htm To be eligible for these benefits, an individual must have earned a certain number of QCs through paying Social Security taxes. This guide provides an overview of how QCs are credited for calendar years after 1977, including the …

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Understanding How Self-Employment Income is Credited to Calendar Quarters for Social Security Disability Benefits, § 404.142

Leave a Comment / Understanding Insured Status and Quarters of Coverage under Social Security / April 3, 2023

Introduction: Social Security Disability benefits provide vital financial support to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. Eligibility for these benefits is based, in part, on a person’s work history and the number of “quarters of coverage” they have earned through paying Social Security taxes. Understanding how self-employment income is credited to …

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Understanding how the Social Security Administration (SSA) credits quarters of coverage (QCs) is an important aspect of determining your insured status. For calendar years before 1978, the SSA uses § 404.141 to determine how to credit QCs.

Leave a Comment / Fully Insured Status / April 1, 2023

According to § 404.141, a QC is credited for a calendar quarter based on the amount of wages paid and self-employment income derived during certain periods. https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/404/404-0141.htm If you were paid wages of $50 or more in a calendar quarter, or credited with self-employment income of $100 or more, the SSA credits you with a QC …

Understanding how the Social Security Administration (SSA) credits quarters of coverage (QCs) is an important aspect of determining your insured status. For calendar years before 1978, the SSA uses § 404.141 to determine how to credit QCs. Read More »