If you’ve been injured to the point of disability or developed an illness where you can no longer work, you may be eligible for Social Security insurance. Anyone who has paid into the Social Security system is eligible for benefits, but it is not as simple as getting out what you paid in. To get coverage, you will have to go through a process that determines your level of eligibility based on your age, work credits, and type of disability, and then you will have to go through a long process of applying, appealing if necessary, and even going through a hearing. This process can be overwhelming, so it’s important to know who you can go to for the right information.
There are several types of Social Security benefits. Retirement benefits cover you when you stop working after a certain age with no caveats for health or disability. Disability benefits cover you when you are below retirement age, but are unable to work due to a health condition or physical disability. Survivor benefits are available for those who have had a covered parent or spouse pass away, and Medicare benefits are available for those who are eligible for health coverage in addition to their workplace healthcare coverage.
Each of these benefits has its own eligibility requirements, but generally speaking relies on how many quarters of work you have obtained within the previous ten years. If you are over the age of 31 and have worked for twenty out of the past forty quarters, you can be considered fully insured. However, this also depends on when you became disabled, how much you have paid into the system, and whether or not you are a seasonal worker.
There are special rules for those who are under 31, as well as for those who are approaching retirement age. As you do more research into eligibility requirements, you may find that things become more and more confusing, and determining your eligibility can be complicated. This is where the Social Security Administration’s online platform can help you.
The Social Security Administration has an online platform where you can enter information about your age, work history, current health, dependents, and other relevant factors to determine which, if any, benefits you are eligible for. When you go to the Social Security website, you can find the link to check eligibility in the “prepare” section of the homepage, which also allows you to check your estimated benefit amount and when the best time is to apply.
You can also check the record of your work history and make sure it’s accurate and up to date. Going through the process to determine eligibility is easy and fast. You’ll answer questions about your age, marriage status, work history, current work, if you have a condition that prohibits you from working, what other benefits you currently receive such as SNAP, Medicaid and TANF, and your current income. If the questionnaire determines you are eligible, you’ll be taken to another page to learn how to apply and what documentation you will need. After you submit your application, you can use the online platform to check the status of your application and see where you are in the approval process.
If using an online platform is difficult, you do have the option to call the Social Security Administration office and speak to an agent about your situation. They can walk you through the online platform or assist you in other ways.
The Social Security process can be confusing and overwhelming, particularly if you are facing a serious illness or injury and are concerned about your financial security and caring for yourself and your family. Determining whether or not you are eligible for benefits is only the first step. If you are eligible, you need to know if you are fully eligible or currently eligible, and that will determine which benefits you can receive and how you will navigate the application process.
The application process can be overwhelming for many eligible applicants. It is not uncommon to be initially denied for benefits even if you qualify. If you are unsure about your eligibility or how to go about applying for benefits or appealing a denial, an attorney who is experienced in Social Security benefits can be a great asset. Having the right help can make the difference in whether or not your application is successful.
While most applicants wait until they are facing an appeal to hire an attorney, some claimants want to work with someone knowledgeable to guide them through the process right from the beginning to increase their odds of a quick and favorable decision. When you have your initial consultation, make sure to ask questions about how experienced your attorney is, what they will do for you at each stage of the process, and how your legal expenses and fees will be handled.
Submitting outdated, incorrect, or incomplete information about your eligibility for Social Security benefits can quite literally cost you. If you don’t understand the process, you can miss out on benefits that will help you and your family manage this very difficult situation. When you are going through the process and need help, finding an attorney who understands the system is invaluable.
We understand how stressful this time is for you and your family. We recommend applying for your SSDI benefits through the online application process, and if your claim is denied, we can help you with your appeal. Creating a thorough dossier with substantial evidence that meets the SSA requirements will increase your chances of approval. You don’t have to go through this alone. Contact Arthur Law Firm right away (419) 782-9881 for a free consultation to discuss your case.