social retirement insurance survivors insurance disability insurance health insurance black lung benefits Preface This is the Fifth Edition of the Social Security Handbook. The material in this edition reflects the provisions of the Social Security Act as amended through January 1, 1973, the regulations issued thereunder, and precedential case decisions (rulings), relating to the retirement, survivors, disability, health insurance, black lung benefits, and supplemental security income programs. It also includes brief descriptions of other related programs. This handbook is intended for the use of people who want a detailed explanation of the Federal retirement, survivors, disability, health insurance, black lung benefits, and supplemental security income programs, so that they may understand how these programs operate, who is entitled to benefits, and how such benefits may be obtained. Further assistance in social security matters may be secured at the nearest social security district or branch office. The social security district or branch office routinely provides information to inquirers and assists claimants and beneficiaries free of charge regarding any social security matter. This handbook was prepared solely for convenient reference purposes and does not have the effect of law or regulations. Diligent effort has been made to ensure its accuracy but there can be no guarantee that this has been achieved or that there have not been changes since it was prepared. Should there be any conflict between material in this handbook and the law, regulations, or rulings, the latter are, of course, controlling. THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT and related laws are contained in a "Compilation of the Social Security Laws," consisting of two volumes. Volume I contains the Social Security Act as amended through January 1, 1973, and pertinent provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954. Volume II contains sections of amending acts having a current effect on the Social Security Act, provisions of the Act which have been repealed, and provisions of other laws relating to the Social Security Act. These volumes may be purchased, together or separately, from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, at the following prices: |