The process for applying for social security benefits can either be simple or extremely complicated depending on your circumstances. All persons who apply for social security benefits will need to submit the proper application along with supporting documents to the Social Security Administration.
As long as you meet the necessary requirements and are eligible to receive the benefits that you apply for, then the process should be fairly simple. On the other hand, if you fail to meet the necessary requirements, are not eligible to receive certain benefits, and/or there is an error with your application, then this process can become much more complicated. In this case, your application for social security benefits may be denied.
If your application is denied, this will not only delay your ability to collect social security benefits, but may prevent you from receiving any type of social security benefits at all. Thus, you may want to contact a local government lawyer for further advice if you need help with your application or have questions about social security benefits in general.
What’s the First Step in Applying for Social Security Benefits?
The first step in applying for social security benefits is knowing which types of benefits that a person wants to receive. There are a number of different types of social security benefits, such as:
- Benefits for retirement;
- Benefits for a spouse;
- Medicare benefits;
- Disability benefits;
- Survivors benefits;
- Children’s benefits; and/or
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
By deciding which benefits that a person wants to apply for, they can find out whether they will meet the requirements to be eligible to collect those benefits and what documents they will need to submit to the Social Security Administration.
This will help to ensure that the candidate’s application is complete and that they provide the most accurate information to the agency in order for them to make a final decision. It also helps to avoid delays in application processing.
I Know Which Benefits I Want to Apply for, What Do I Do Now?
After an individual determines which social security benefits they want to apply for, they need to find out what the exact eligibility requirements are for those benefits. This information will tell an applicant whether or not they will be eligible to collect the social security benefits that they wish to receive.
If after reviewing the requirements for those particular benefits an applicant is still unsure of whether or not they may be eligible, then they should consult a local government lawyer for further guidance.
How Do I File a Claim for Social Security Benefits?
Applicants can file a claim for social security benefits by submitting the requisite forms to their local social security office. This can either be done online through a portal on the Social Security Administration website, by visiting their local social security office in person, or by calling the number which can also be found on the Social Security Administration website.
It should be noted that the instructions and requirements may slightly vary based on the type of social security benefit that is being claimed. After an application is reviewed, the Social Security Administration will issue a decision. If an application is denied, an applicant will be able to appeal. If an application is granted, then the Social Security Administration will issue instructions regarding the applicant’s next steps to collect on their benefits.
In cases where an application is also denied during the appeals process, an applicant will have one last chance at appealing this decision as well by filing a lawsuit in a local federal district court.
What Will I Need to Apply?
All candidates who apply for social security benefits will need to submit supporting documentation along with their government form. Some examples of documents that applicants will most likely need to submit along with their standard application include the following:
- Their social security number;
- Bank account information, such as a bank account number;
- A copy of their birth certificate;
- A copy of their most recent income tax return or income related statement (e.g., W2, 1099-MISC, etc.);
- Any military discharge papers they received (if an applicant served in the military); and
- Documents that provide proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status (e.g., a green card).
It is important to note that the documents in the above list are not exhaustive of the materials that an applicant may need to apply. Thus, those who are ready to apply should find out precisely which documents they will need in advance or as soon as possible by consulting the Social Security Administration website and/or speaking with a local government lawyer.
Tips on Filing for Social Security Benefits
A great way to learn about helpful tips on filing for social security benefits is to speak with a government lawyer who has experience in this area of the law. A qualified lawyer will be able to assess an individual’s personal circumstances and can recommend which benefits would be best suited to their needs based upon their assessment.
One potentially useful tip that may apply to all applicants is that if an applicant wishes to obtain social security benefits at the earliest age possible, then the applicant will need to file a claim at least three months in advance of turning the minimum age required to collect social security. This will give the Social Security Administration more time to process the claim.
Another helpful tip for applicants to know about social security benefits is that if an applicant is eligible to collect social security benefits, then this also means that the applicant will be able to receive Medicare once they reach the threshold of 65 years of age. Similar to social security benefits, persons who wish to receive Medicare should also apply at least three months in advance to allow time for processing.
In addition, if an applicant only wants to apply for Medicare and not for social security benefits, then there is no reason to delay in submitting an application. The more time that an individual provides to the government agencies responsible for processing their application, the more efficient a decision they will receive by the time they satisfy the necessary age requirements and are ready to collect on benefits.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
Although the process of applying for social security benefits is relatively straightforward, there is a possibility that you might encounter some issues along the way. For instance, if you are denied social security benefits because of an error with your application, the process to appeal the decision can be somewhat confusing.
Therefore, if you need assistance with the application process or have any questions about social security benefits in general, then it may be in your best interest to hire a local social security lawyer before you submit your application. An experienced government lawyer will be able to guide you through the application process and can review your paperwork to make sure that it is free from errors.
Your lawyer can help you to determine which social security benefits you should apply for and can assist with the appeals process if your application is denied. Your lawyer can also explain why you may have been denied certain benefits and can discuss how to resolve such issues.
In addition, your lawyer will be able to provide legal representation if your appeal is denied and you need to file an SSA lawsuit in court. During court proceedings, your lawyer can defend your interests by presenting a clear argument that explains why you should be entitled to receive the social security benefits for which you applied.
