Social Security is a program managed by the United States federal government. This program provides financial assistance through the Social Security taxes paid into the trust funds to provide benefits for qualifying citizens. There are three different types of Social Security benefits that can be paid based upon the record of your earnings: retirement, disability, and dependent or survivor benefits. The most common claim among these three is the disability benefits.

Disability refers to physical, mental, developmental, or any medical condition that impairs and limits a person’s ability to do any substantial gainful activity. It may be any form of a personal injury or illness that can be acquired from birth or a traumatic work-related accident. Social Security uses a step-by-step process to conduct a disability determination and evaluation. It is important to know if your medical conditions are covered and eligible for Social Security disability benefits.

Once a person becomes disabled, it is crucial to immediately file a disability claim with Social Security. The process may take time before you receive disability payments. A certain waiting period is set by the Social Security Administration to make sure that the medical condition is considered a long-term disability.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers two disability programs for citizens who require disability benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). There are differences in the disability criteria and qualifications for these two programs, but some citizens might be granted both.

This article will help you know how the Social Security System works, most especially for disability and retirement benefits. A reliable Jackson social security attorney can provide legal assistance and help you understand the whole process of filing for disability or retirement. Here are some of the most common “questions to ask” from claimants:

  1. How to Qualify for Social Security Benefits?
  2. How to Calculate Social Security Benefits?
  3. Can I Collect Social Security Benefits While Working?
  4. When Can I Collect my Retirement Benefits?
  5. Can I Collect More Than One Benefit at a Time?
  6. How Much Will I Get?
  7. What is the Role of a Social Security Lawyer?

How to Qualify for Social Security Benefits?

Social Security Benefits in MississippiThe Social Security benefits are usually granted to disabled persons, retired workers, and dependents of retired, disabled, or deceased workers. The eligibility requirements may differ depending on the type of benefit and the age of the claimant. However, there is one general rule that applies to all programs offered by the Social Security Administration (except for Supplemental Security Income): The claimant must have obtained adequate “work credits” for a sufficient number of years. These credits are acquired by continuously working within a certain period, usually at least ten years of work. The number of credits you need will depend on your age when you become unable to work due to your disability.

To qualify for these programs, a claimant must meet certain requirements, such as inability to work, the disability is expected to last for at least one year, or may result in wrongful death, or any impairment included in the medical conditions list from the Social Security office. The medical conditions of disabled individuals will be thoroughly evaluated before considering it as a “disability”. Disabled people need to prepare and fill out the paperwork and requirements to start the application process for Social Security disability claims. A credible Jackson social security attorney can help you in such filing.

How to Calculate Social Security Benefits?

Calculating your Social Security benefits is a complex and complicated process. The formula used to compute your benefits is based on your average yearly reported income since you started working. Furthermore, your age is also an important factor to determine the total amount of your benefits. 

Can I Collect Social Security Benefits While I’m Still Working? 

Yes. Citizens who are past the retirement age can continue to keep their job even after receiving Social Security benefits. However, if you’re under the full retirement age, your benefits will be temporarily reduced. Once you reach the full retirement age, there’s no limit on how much you can earn while collecting full benefits. 

When Can I Collect my Retirement Benefits?

When it comes to Social Security retirement benefits, the system can provide early retirement benefits at the age of 62 and above. You have the option to collect it either before or after your full retirement age. However, if you start receiving benefits early, your benefits will be reduced by a small percentage for each month before your full retirement age. You will only be entitled to full benefits once you reach your full retirement age. If you delay taking your benefits from your full retirement age up to age 70, your benefit amount will increase. The amount of your retirement benefits calculated by the Social Security Administration is based on the idea that most employees will stop working and claim retirement benefits once they reach the age of 65. 

Can I Collect More Than One Benefit at a Time?

Even if you are qualified for more than one type of Social Security benefit, you will only be allowed to collect one. For instance, if you are eligible to receive both disability and retirement benefits, you have to choose one (whichever is higher). You cannot be granted both benefits at the same time.

How Much Will I Get?

Your Social Security benefit are based on your lifetime earnings, not on your financial needs. The method and the formula used for computation is complicated, but it averages the income from your 35 highest-earning years. The Social Security Administration keeps a record of all your monthly income and pays benefits based on your average earnings. 

What is the Role of a Social Security Lawyer?

Applying for Social Security disability or Social Security retirement benefits entails a lot of hard work and effort. Before you apply for a Social Security claim, you need to know the Social Security laws, disability laws, eligibility rules, requirements, and the time frame related to your application. To increase the success rate of your claim, it is advisable to seek legal help from our competent Jackson social security lawyers at Rollins Law Firm. We will review your application to avoid any mistakes and errors. We will help you ensure the accuracy and completeness of your paperwork, medical records, and other relevant evidence that will be useful for your application for a Social Security claim.

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