Social Security

SMU and each person employed by SMU make contributions to this federally administered plan.  Social Security provides several benefits:

  • Death Benefit -- Spouse and children of Social Security participants are eligible to receive a small burial benefit, as well as monthly income.
  • Long Term Total Disability -- After five months from date of disability, Social Security participants are eligible to begin receiving disability income. This benefit continues as long as the member is considered totally disabled.
  • Retirement -- Retirement income for participants is currently available at age 65 or on a reduced basis beginning at age 62. (This will change for persons born after 1947).
  • Medicare -- Persons age 65 or older are eligible for Medicare Part A medical insurance at age 65, but may wait until later to enroll for Part B if employment continues beyond age 65.

Since Social Security retirement benefits and survivorship benefits are based on your contributions, it is important to be sure your Social Security Earnings Record is accurate.  Click on How to Correct your Social Security Earnings Record to find out how.

For more information about Social Security visit the Social Security website at http://www.ssa.gov/SSA_Home.html.