Social Security Benefits Aid Disabled, Retired, And Spouses Of Deceased Workers

The Social Security Administration mandates various disability programs for qualified individuals and/or their family members. Varying criteria must be met for eligibility in each disability program. Should you find yourself not at full retirement age but unable to work due to physical or mental impairment(s), you may be eligible for disability benefits.

To apply for disability benefits, the first step is to contact your local Social Security office or operators at the nationwide toll-free telephone number, 800-772-1213. Request an application for disability benefits, or file an application online at www.ssa.gov. Remember to retain a copy of your completed application and any correspondence with Social Security. The majority of disability applications are denied. Martin & Jones believes that qualified representation is critical in order to properly present any appeal of a denial of benefits.

Originally, Social Security was initiated in 1935 and was limited to paying retirement benefits to eligible workers, mostly men age 62 and older. Today's Social Security Administration processes various claims for workers, disabled persons, spouses and children. It still processes workers' retirement benefits and also oversees portions of the Medicare program for disabled and retired workers.

The Social Security Administration's workload includes recording earnings benefits. This information is utilized to calculate monthly retirement, disability, and eligible family benefits for insured workers. Social Security now sends individuals an "Earnings and Benefits Estimate Statement" to assist in retirement planning. This statement notes annual earnings for each year worked and estimates future monthly payments should the insured individual reach retirement age or become disabled. It is very important that all earnings are reported and recorded, as these earnings will affect your future benefits. Should the annual earnings posted on your benefit statement be incorrect, contact your local Social Security Administration office immediately; corrections may only be made for the most current three years with proper documentation. If your earnings have not been posted to your record, your benefit amount may be reduced.

Currently, workers may begin drawing their retirement benefits as early as age 62 with a 20 percent reduction in their full retirement benefit payments. Previously, retirement at 65 years of age with necessary quarters of coverage would qualify for a full retirement benefit payment. However, today's workers, beginning with those born in 1938 and later, will have to wait longer before they may draw their full retirement benefits. Since United States citizens are living longer and less workers are now "paying into Social Security," full retirement age is gradually increasing from 65 to 67 years old. Reduced retirement benefits may still be initiated at age 62, but with greater reductions than the current 20 percent penalty. Retirement benefits may also be available for workers' spouses, even though they have limited or no work history themselves. Survivors' benefits are available for the family of certain deceased workers. There may even be a limited death benefit in many cases. Some qualified ex-spouses of deceased workers may also be eligible for benefits.