Did you know that 9 out of 10 U.S. citizens over the age of 65 benefit from Social Security? Whether you’re 65 or not, you might be experiencing problems with social security and might need to file a claim.
What exactly is a social security claim though and how does it work? Read this guide about social security claims today!
What Is a Social Security Claim?
This is a disability claim that you request for income assistance with the Social Security Administration. Your best bet of receiving approval is by working with lawyers such as heard and smith lawyers.
If you’re experiencing a physical or mental disability, you might qualify. This disability could cause you problems with leading a normal life and holding a job.
Many applications are denied initially. Many reconsideration cases get denied.
If you’re denied again, you can request a hearing. After this, you could file an appeal with the Social Security appeals council. You could always file an appeal with the Federal District Court of Appeals if it’s denied again.
You might be eligible for disability benefits if you’re unable to work due to your disability. You’ll need certain documents to support your claim as well.
In order to be approved, you’ll need to have supporting documents to back up your claim. This will improve your chances of getting approved. It’s a good idea to get it all in order before you apply.
Checking Your Benefits Claim
You can check your Social Security benefits right on their website. You can create an account with them in order to see whether you’re approved or not. You’ll need to have the claim location, the scheduled hearing, the office location, and the date of filing.
Ways To Receive Social Security Benefits
If you’re 65 or older then you could receive Medicare which is a health insurance program. It’s also for those who are under 65 and who have a certain disability.
There’s also Supplemental Security Income. This is for those who have little to no income and are 65 or older.
Another option is through survivor benefits. This is when you’re a survivor of a worker who dies, you might qualify for worker’s benefits.
Your spouse needs to have worked for enough time to qualify. It’ll also depend on many other factors including if you have children, are remarried, and your age.
Even after a divorce, you might qualify if you were married for so many years. Children could be eligible for benefits as well.
Take a look at your spouse’s work record. You’ll receive a percentage of their benefit amount.
Your benefits might decrease if someone else receives a benefit. You can calculate survivor benefits on the Social Security Administration website.
The Definition of Disability
Disability is defined as the SSA as being unable to engage in activity due to mental or physical impairments. If you attempt to work it could lead to death.
The disability must be a condition that’s expected to last more than a year. For children, it’s for those who have a mental or physical impairment.
It also needs to last for more than a year or if they were to engage in activities it could result in death. The Social Security Administration has a breakdown of the disability evaluations that they use.
Retroactive Benefits
This is when you let the Social Security Administration know that you’re planning on filing for disability benefits. The good news is that if it’s approved, you could receive back pay for the waiting period. It could be up to 12 months of back pay.
This filing date remains through the appeals process. When you file a new claim you’ll receive a more recent protective date. This is a strong benefit when comparing appealing vs filing.
Social Security Deadlines
You’ll have 2 months from an adverse ruling in order to file an appeal. If you miss the deadline, you’ll need to reapply to continue in the future. Remember that if you reapply with the same appeal there’s little chance that it’ll be approved.
The Social Security Administration might grant a late appeal request. You’ll need to show a good reason why you were late in the first place.
Personal circumstances could be a valid reason such as mental or language limitations, serious illness, homelessness, etc. You could reach out to the Social Security Administration about reopening the claim. Even if it’s a new disability application, the claim could be reopened.
This is a great way to preserve your original filing date. This needs to occur within a year.
If it doesn’t, they’ll only consider reopening it for certain circumstances. These could include material or new evidence about your condition.
Understanding Supplemental Security Income
Supplemental Security Income provides you with monthly payments. Those who could receive this include those 65 or older, who are blind, or have a disability. Children and adults could both qualify.
Social Security Disability Insurance is for those who have worked for so many years. You can read more about Social Security Disability Insurance through the Social Security Administration’s website.
Understanding What a Social Security Claim Is
After exploring this guide, you should have a better idea of what a Social Security claim is. Take your time deciding what your options are to apply and if you’ll be approved. If you’re looking for help with approval then consider reaching out to a lawyer.
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