There are three ways you can go about applying for Social Security benefits: in person at a Social Security office, over the phone or using an online form at the Social Security website.
There are advantages to each approach. When applying for Social Security benefits using the online form, you can take as much time as you need to fill out the paperwork. When applying for Social Security benefits in person at a Social Security office, you can ask the worker who assists you any questions you may have about the Social Security process.
You'll need a few basic pieces of information when applying for Social Security benefits: your Social Security number, your birth certificate, a W-2 or prior year's tax return, bank information and spouse or military information if applicable.
Applying for Social Security benefits isn't an immediate process.
You don't start getting benefits immediately when applying for Social Security. The Department of Social Security recommends applying for Social Security benefits approximately three months prior to the desired benefit start date, but the reality is that it can take a year or more for benefits to begin. However, if the process of applying for Social Security benefits drags out, you may receive a retroactive lump sum payment to cover all the benefits you should have received from the date of disability until the date the Social Security benefits are approved.
Applying for Social Security Disability benefits typically takes longer than applying for retirement benefits, because the Department of Social Security must satisfy itself that you are genuinely disabled and qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. This may require independent medical exams and special forms filed to prove disability.
When applying for Social Security benefits, you may be denied.
While Social Security retirement benefits are relatively easy to get if you qualify, Social Security disability benefits, paid before the age of retirement, are significantly more difficult to obtain. The Department of Social Security must find that you are completely disabled and unable to work, and this typically involved lengthy review processes and examinations from doctors chosen by the Department of Social Security.
Your employer may need to submit paperwork relating to your inability to work if it is caused by a work-related injury, and your benefits may be reduced if you are currently receiving worker's compensation payments. If you're denied when applying for Social Security benefits, your next step should be to file an appeal.
When to get a lawyer involved in applying for Social Security benefits?
You don't need a lawyer when applying for Social Security benefits. However, if you're currently receiving worker's compensation payments, you may want to consult a lawyer to determine if applying for Social Security benefits is going to reduce your worker's compensation payments, or vice-versa. Finally, if you are denied when applying for Social Security benefits, you may want to retain a lawyer to help with the appeal.
 | Understanding how Social Security benefits are calculated and when you can receive them will help you make the most of this program. |
 | Social Security retirement benefits are set aside for workers to assist them in their retirement years. In order to qualify for social security retirement benefits, your age and years of work will factor in. |
The death of a spouse is a difficult time for any family, but it can be worse for a family worried about finances. If your deceased spouse was receiving Social Security benefits at the time of death, or was eligible to receive Social Security benefits, you or your children may be eligible to receive Social Security death benefits. |
For many disabled individuals, Social Security disability benefits are the only source of income enabling them to lead a relatively normal life. If you're permanently disabled and curious about applying for Social Security disability benefits, here are the things you need to know. |
Social Security and Disability Insurance, a program monitored by the Social Security Administration, is designed to aid medically disabled people with a small income when the disability prevents them from working. |
