Filing for Social Security Benefits
Social Security benefits are available to all working adults that paid SS taxes during their working years at retirement.
In addition, certain Social Security benefits are available to you before retirement if you meet certain requirements, such as suffering from a disability that no longer allows you to work.
Applying for any type of disability benefits is often complicated and confusing for many people, which is why knowing how to apply for SSI makes the process much easier.
Before you get started though, there are a few things you need to take into consideration.
The first is that the vast majority of initial applications for disability benefits are denied.
The exact count varies, but estimates put it at roughly an 80% first-time denial rate.
In addition, even if your claim is not initially denied, actually receiving benefits can take some time.
If for some reason your claim is denied, you do of course have the right to appeal the decision.
However, the appeals process is even more lengthy than the application process, and it can take many, many years to receive your benefits, if at all.
If you aren't deterred, then it's time for the next step.
Before you can apply for SSI benefits you need to have on hand a number of important documents available to submit with your application.
Documents like your birth certificate, your SSN, the name of your mortgage holder/landlord, your insurance policies, bank records and burial fund records, the names of hospitals and doctors you utilize if you are applying for disability benefits, proof of your U.
S.
citizenship and all of your bank account and loan account numbers will make a good starting point.
Of course, you will also need all of the medical records and details related to your disability.
These records will play a major role in whether or not you are approved for benefits.
Online Applications The internet has made applying for Social Security benefits easier than ever.
By visiting the SSA website you can click on a link and begin filling out your SSI application in a matter of minutes.
The process of filling out the application online takes between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on how quickly you work and answer questions.
If you cannot complete the application in one sitting you can save your progress and return to the application at a later time or date.
Social Security Office For those without access to a computer or are confused about how to apply for SSI, you can apply for SSI benefits in person at any SSA Office.
To make an appointment to apply for benefits you must first call to schedule a date and time.
During your appointment, a representative from the Social Security office will assist you in filling out your application in addition to making sure the form is properly filled out.
Apply by Phone Additionally, the Social Security Administration allows you to fill out an application for Social Security benefits over the phone.
However, this is one of the least efficient ways to file.
While many people go through the social security to file, there is a much better way.
By using the services of a disability advocate, you can receive expert counsel to ease your way through the process, often for little or no charge.
Some advocacy groups charge no fee unless you win benefits.
Should your application for Social Security benefits be denied, the SSA does offer an appeals process for you to take advantage of.
You can handle your appeal on your own or you can request assistance in the form of an attorney or other legal representative.
Advocates can also help with the appeals process, as legal counsel is only required if you make it to the hearing level.
If by chance you aren't interested in jumping through application hoops all by your lonesome, Myler Disability, one of the premiere disability advocacy groups in the country, is available to help with the application and appeals process.
If you think you can't afford help, think again.
Myler Disability is one of a handful of advocacy groups that charges no fee unless you win.
In addition, certain Social Security benefits are available to you before retirement if you meet certain requirements, such as suffering from a disability that no longer allows you to work.
Applying for any type of disability benefits is often complicated and confusing for many people, which is why knowing how to apply for SSI makes the process much easier.
Before you get started though, there are a few things you need to take into consideration.
The first is that the vast majority of initial applications for disability benefits are denied.
The exact count varies, but estimates put it at roughly an 80% first-time denial rate.
In addition, even if your claim is not initially denied, actually receiving benefits can take some time.
If for some reason your claim is denied, you do of course have the right to appeal the decision.
However, the appeals process is even more lengthy than the application process, and it can take many, many years to receive your benefits, if at all.
If you aren't deterred, then it's time for the next step.
Before you can apply for SSI benefits you need to have on hand a number of important documents available to submit with your application.
Documents like your birth certificate, your SSN, the name of your mortgage holder/landlord, your insurance policies, bank records and burial fund records, the names of hospitals and doctors you utilize if you are applying for disability benefits, proof of your U.
S.
citizenship and all of your bank account and loan account numbers will make a good starting point.
Of course, you will also need all of the medical records and details related to your disability.
These records will play a major role in whether or not you are approved for benefits.
Online Applications The internet has made applying for Social Security benefits easier than ever.
By visiting the SSA website you can click on a link and begin filling out your SSI application in a matter of minutes.
The process of filling out the application online takes between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on how quickly you work and answer questions.
If you cannot complete the application in one sitting you can save your progress and return to the application at a later time or date.
Social Security Office For those without access to a computer or are confused about how to apply for SSI, you can apply for SSI benefits in person at any SSA Office.
To make an appointment to apply for benefits you must first call to schedule a date and time.
During your appointment, a representative from the Social Security office will assist you in filling out your application in addition to making sure the form is properly filled out.
Apply by Phone Additionally, the Social Security Administration allows you to fill out an application for Social Security benefits over the phone.
However, this is one of the least efficient ways to file.
While many people go through the social security to file, there is a much better way.
By using the services of a disability advocate, you can receive expert counsel to ease your way through the process, often for little or no charge.
Some advocacy groups charge no fee unless you win benefits.
Should your application for Social Security benefits be denied, the SSA does offer an appeals process for you to take advantage of.
You can handle your appeal on your own or you can request assistance in the form of an attorney or other legal representative.
Advocates can also help with the appeals process, as legal counsel is only required if you make it to the hearing level.
If by chance you aren't interested in jumping through application hoops all by your lonesome, Myler Disability, one of the premiere disability advocacy groups in the country, is available to help with the application and appeals process.
If you think you can't afford help, think again.
Myler Disability is one of a handful of advocacy groups that charges no fee unless you win.
