SOCIAL SECURITY 



Here are questions and answers which explain disability coverage for farmers. 



Questions and Answers on Disability . 



Q. I farmed until I became paralyzed from an accident in June, 1959. I finished 



the year by having my farm work done. Last October I filed a claim for disability 

 payments 1 When will I get my first check? 



A. If you qualify for disability payments, your first check would be for the month 

 of April, 1960. You should receive it soon. You did not meet the requirement 

 of 5 years or work under social security until October, 1959. A 6-month waiting 

 period is necessary after the work requirement is met. The months of October, 

 1959 through March, 1960 represent your waiting period. 



Q. I became totally disabled in January, 1960 following a stroke. I farmed for 

 myself in 1957, 1958 and 1959. I had no other social security coverage except 

 for two years of factory work in World War II. I will be 65 years old in October, 

 1960, but understand that I might qualify for disability payments before that 

 time, since I have 5 years of coverage. Is this correct? 



A. No. The social security disability provisions state that you must have five years 

 of coverage out of the ten year period immediately preceding your total disability. 

 However, five years of coverage will be sufficient to qualify you for a retirement 

 benefit effective in October, 1960. 



Q. I am 60 years old and have farmed for myself since I was 20. I paid social secu- 

 rity taxes ever since farmers were included in the program. For many years I have 

 operated on a fiscal year ending June 30. Following a severe heart attack in 

 August, 1959, I have been able to do nothing. When can I qualify for disability 

 benefits? 



A. As of March, 1960. The fact that you were on a fiscal year permits you to qualify 

 somewhat sooner than the lifetime farmer whose taxable year is the calendar year, 



Q. I have filed an application for disability payments. I had to quit farming at the 

 end of 1959. I understand there is a 6-raonth period before I can receive my first 

 check, but what I want to find out is whether the first check will include back 

 payments for the 6 months. 



A. No, there will be no payments for the 6-month waiting period. The law says the 

 first month for which payment can be made is the month after the waiting period. 



Q. My farmer neighbor has multiple sclerosis. Last fall several of his friends 



finished up his field work for him because he couldn't do it himself. He is 53 

 years old. When can he start getting social security benefits? 



A. Farmers who become disabled should call or write the social security office promptly. 

 Self-employed farm operators who have been farming all years, 1955 through 1959, 

 may be eligible for disability benefits if they are between 50 and 65 years of age. 

 Your neighbor may be eligible for payments starting with April, 1960. 



