Social Security
What is Social Security?
Social Security is a federal program that pays monthly benefits to eligible retirees, people with disabilities, and survivors of deceased workers.
What is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program mainly for people 65 and older, and for some younger people with disabilities or certain diseases
What is Unemployment Insurance (UI)?
Unemployment Insurance is a joint federal‑state program that provides temporary cash benefits to eligible workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.
What is SNAP?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps low‑income individuals and families buy food for a nutritionally adequate diet.
What is Medicaid
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage for many low‑income children, adults, pregnant people, seniors, and people with disabilities.
How do you qualify for Social Security retirement benefits?
You generally need at least 40 work “credits,” which usually equals about 10 years of work in jobs that pay Social Security taxes.
What are the main parts of Medicare?
Medicare has Part A (hospital), Part B (medical/outpatient), Part C (Medicare Advantage plans), and Part D (prescription drug coverage).
Who typically qualifies for unemployment benefits?
Generally, workers must have enough recent earnings, be unemployed through no fault of their own, and be able, available, and actively looking for work.
Who can get SNAP benefits?
Eligibility is mainly based on household income, household size, certain resource limits, and U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status.
Who is generally eligible for Medicaid?
States must cover certain groups such as low‑income families, qualified pregnant women and children, and many SSI recipients, and may choose to cover additional groups.
When can you start receiving retirement benefits?
You can claim as early as age 62, but your monthly benefit is reduced if you start before your full retirement age and increased if you delay up to age 70.
Do you have to pay for Medicare?
Most people get Part A premium‑free if they worked enough years, but Part B, Part D, and many Medicare Advantage plans usually have monthly premiums and cost sharing.
Do unemployment benefits count as income for other programs?
Yes; regular unemployment benefits typically count as income when determining eligibility for programs like SNAP and TANF
Are there work requirements for SNAP?
Yes; with some exceptions, able‑bodied adults must register for work, accept suitable job offers, and may have to participate in employment and training.
Is Medicaid eligibility the same in every state?
No; federal law sets minimum rules, but states can expand coverage and set different income limits and additional eligibility categories.
Does Social Security only pay retirement benefits?
No; it also pays disability benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for some people with limited income, and survivor benefits to certain family members.
Is Medicare the same as Medicaid?
No; Medicare is primarily age‑based federal health insurance, while Medicaid is a joint federal‑state program based on income and other criteria
Do unemployment benefits reduce Social Security retirement benefits?
No; guidance from Social Security indicates unemployment benefits do not reduce Social Security retirement or disability insurance benefits.
How are SNAP benefits provided?
Benefits are loaded monthly onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card that can be used at authorized grocery stores and some farmers’ markets.
How is income counted for most Medicaid applicants?
Most children, many adults, and pregnant people are evaluated using Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) rules based on federal tax definitions.
How are Social Security benefits funded?
They are funded mainly by payroll taxes paid by workers and employers under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act
Can someone have both Medicare and Medicaid?
Yes; people who meet requirements for both are called “dual‑eligible” and may get help from Medicaid paying Medicare premiums and some out‑of‑pocket costs.
Are unemployment rules the same in every state?
No; each state runs its own UI program within federal guidelines, so benefit amounts, duration, and exact eligibility rules vary by state.
Does SNAP offer help beyond food benefits?
In many places, SNAP recipients can access voluntary employment and training programs that provide job search help, training, and support services like childcare or transportation.
Does Medicaid only cover basic doctor visits?
No; it must cover certain mandatory services like hospital and physician services, and states can choose to cover additional services such as long‑term care or extra benefits.