Many people depend on Social Security for retirement and disability benefits. However, not every job is treated the same under federal rules. Understanding which types of employment are covered by Social Security is important, especially if you are applying for disability or planning for retirement. The rules about jobs covered by Social Security in Southfield can affect whether you qualify for benefits.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) bases coverage on whether your employer withholds Social Security taxes from your paycheck. Our SSDI attorneys at Thurswell Law can help you understand if your job qualifies you for Social Security. In addition, we can help direct you on what steps to take when filing for benefits.
Which Jobs Are Covered?
Many employees in Michigan pay into Social Security through payroll taxes. If you see Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) deductions on your pay stub, your job in Southfield is covered. This includes:
- Private-sector jobs in offices, retail, or service industries
- Manufacturing and trade positions
- Healthcare jobs such as nurses, aides, or technicians
- Union positions that pay into Social Security
- Self-employed individuals who pay self-employment tax
Coverage can also extend to part-time and temporary jobs, as long as wages meet the SSA’s minimum income requirements. A Thurswell Law attorney could review your work history. Once reviewed, they can confirm whether your employment is counted for benefit purposes.
Which Jobs May Not Be Covered?
Some jobs are exempt from Social Security coverage in Southfield. Workers in these positions may not pay into the system. As a result, these jobs might not qualify for SSDI or retirement benefits. Examples include:
- Certain state or local government jobs with pension plans instead of Social Security
- Railroad employees covered under the Railroad Retirement system
- Some non-profit or religious organization positions that opt out of Social Security
- Jobs performed outside the United States where treaties may apply
For these employees, different benefit programs may apply. Our lawyers can explain how government pensions or other systems interact with Social Security.
It is important for people with mixed work histories, where some jobs were covered and others were not, to understand whether benefits applied to them. For example, you may have worked in private industry before taking a government job. The SSA applies special rules when combining these records. Some employees face windfall elimination provisions. In those cases, benefits will be reduced when both Social Security and a government pension are involved.
How Coverage Impacts Disability Benefits
When you apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the SSA reviews your work credits. Work credits are earned based on income from jobs covered by Social Security.
If your past jobs did not pay into Social Security, you may not have enough credits to qualify. This can be a shock for workers who spent years in government or non-profit jobs without realizing the difference. An attorney could calculate your credits and explain whether your employment qualifies under federal rules.
Call a Southfield SSD Attorney to Review Your Job Coverage
Whether your job is covered by Social Security may determine your eligibility for disability or retirement benefits. With more than five decades of experience serving Michigan residents, we believe that experience gets results. If you want to learn more about jobs covered by Social Security in Southfield, call Thurswell Law today. Speaking with one of our lawyers could give you clarity about your eligibility, depending on your specific job.
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