Social Security

Social Security pays benefits when you retire, become disabled, or die. You must meet certain eligibility requirements for each type of benefit. Other members of your family may also be eligible for benefits when you become entitled.

In 1965, the Social Security Act established both Medicare and Medicaid (explained below).

Who Is Covered?

Practically everyone who is employed or self-employed is covered by Social Security and Medicare. The exceptions include the following:

• Most federal government employees hired before 1984. These employees are covered by Medicare, but ordinarily not by Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance (OASDI)—Social Security. Rather, they are covered by Civil Service Retirement or a similar pension plan.
• Railroad workers are covered under the separate, federally administered Railroad Retirement system...