Should You Get Early Retirement or Social Security Disability Benefits

If you are 50 years old and have poor physical health should you retire or file for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (SSDI)? If you are unable to continue to do your job because of your physical limitations you should file for SSDI benefits instead of filing for early retirement.

What is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)? SSDI benefits fall under title II of the Social Security Act. In order to qualify for SSDI you must have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. SSDI works similarly to a pension, where you pay into the plan throughout your working years.

The SSA establishes whether you have worked long enough by assigning work credits to your wages/FICA taxes you paid per year. For adults you need 40 work credits. Once you have 40 work credits you have "insured status." SSDI benefits are paid to those who have been found disabled as defined by the SSA and have "insured status."

What is the benefit of filing a SSDI claim instead of filing for early retirement?

If you start collecting Social Security retirement benefits early (before the age of 67, for people born in 1960 or later) your benefits are reduced for each month before you reach your full retirement age.
If you receive SSDI you receive full monthly benefits and annual cost of living increases. You are entitled to Medicare and prescription drug coverage.
When you reach retirement age your SSDI will be converted automatically into retirement benefits.
When the SSA calculates your retirement benefits the years you receive disability insurance is not included and your retirement benefits will be higher because your earnings are averaged over a shorter period of time. The earnings from SSDI are considered but the number of years you were disabled is not. It ends up looking like you earned more money per year, which equals a higher monthly retirement check.

How can a Disability lawyer help? If you are between the ages of 50 and 64 and you stopped working because physically you just could not do your job anymore, you may be entitled to SSDI. SSDI are benefits funded by the taxes you paid during your working years. SSDI is not welfare. A lawyer can evaluate your individual case and help you with the application process. The lawyer will represent you at your hearing in front of the administrative law judge. SSDI are benefits you are entitled to if you have a strong work history and are found disabled as defined by the SSA.

by Sandra Haas, Esq.

Disability Group was founded on the principles of dignity of respect. We are a national law firm focusing exclusively on helping people get the Social Security Disability benefits they deserve. For more information about Social Security or to see if you qualify for benefits, visit http://www.socialsecuritylaw.com

Should Your Patient Apply For Social Security Disability Benefits?

One big problem which effects disabled patients is getting social workers and doctors to work with them when it comes to applying for disability. In some cases, help is easily given. In others, the time involved and the difficulty in getting benefits seems to be too much trouble. As a patient, how do you help this process? As a doctor, how can you help your patient? And as a social service professional, what can you do to make this process easier for you, the doctor, and the patient?

SSDI and SSI Benefits - Why?

Why you need disability benefits is a a question easily answered. You are unable to work. If you have worked before, you are eligible for Social Security Income. If not, you are eligible for Social Security Disability. It's your right, whether you worked in the past or were unable, to apply for certain benefits. If you are unable to hold a regular job, or if you need time to recover from certain injuries, benefits can lead to a better life.

When should you apply?

Disability is not for everyone. Though any disabled person will likely get the opportunity, in some cases benefits are rejected. If you're the doctor, it may be difficult to tell a patient that applying for disability is pointless. However, you can also tell them that if the problem persists or gets worse, in many cases even an initially rejected case can go through.

Social Security is given to those who cannot work, as defined by a full work week. A full work week is considered, as a general rule, to be 8 hours a day 5 days a week. For doctors, if you feel it's clear your patient cannot work that schedule, you may give your support. As a social service professional you can make the same decision.

What if there are problems?

Rejections are common in Social Security Benefit cases. In certain instances it's obvious that the patient is capable of working; in others, it's obvious they will not be able to work a 40 hour a week job either for the foreseeable future or permanently. However, there is a lot of middle ground, and that's where lawyers, doctors, and social service professionals can tip the scales.

How Proof Is Made

Proof for social security cases isn't made by lawyers or social service professionals; they have a big part in organizing the case, but not the proof. The real proof comes from medical findings. A disabled person can say as much as they want, but the decision will be made based upon medical findings. This may sound like it makes it difficult for the doctor. Actually, just focus on coming to a clear opinion and telling the truth. You will never have to come to court, either. This is not a criminal law case. You will show your findings on the patient and be done.

Whether you're the patient, the doctor, or the social service worker, it's important to take these steps seriously. For patients, you need doctor proof. For doctors, you just need to be honest. For social service workers, you need to get the ball rolling for your client.

Jacob Malewitz recommends http://www.SocialSecurityHome.com for more help on applying for SSI, disability medical coverage, and handling disabilities throughout your life.

Should You Hire a Lawyer to Handle Your Social Security Disability Case?

If you've become unable to work because of a medical condition and need to apply for Social Security disability benefits, the question you might ask is, 'Should I file the claim myself, or should I hire a disability lawyer to represent me?' It's a question you should consider carefully, because it may be one of the most important decisions of your life.

Getting a disability claim through the gauntlet of the Social Security Administration (SSA) is a long and difficult process. On average, it takes over two years and at least one appeal to get your benefits approved, during which time you are not only dealing with serious health issues, but a potential financial crisis as well. Many people give up while waiting for their claim to be approved. A lawyer experienced in handling Social Security disability claims can relieve the stress and anxiety that come with trying to deal with this system.

If you're unable to work and are facing financial uncertainty, you might think that you can't afford to hire an attorney to help you with your claim. The good news is that lawyers who file disability claims work on a contingency basis, which means that you pay them nothing unless and until you win your claim from Social Security. Attorneys normally collect 25% of the back benefits awarded in your claim. This means that they only charge you a portion of the retroactive payments that you'll receive once your claim is approved.

Studies show that your benefits are more likely to be approved if you're represented by an attorney. This is because an experienced disability attorney knows the ins and outs of the process. They will collect all of the documentation necessary to support your case and make sure that your paperwork is filled out accurately and completely before being submitted to the SSA, sparing you unnecessary delays. Their expertise means that they know which medical information will help your claim and will obtain additional documentation from your healthcare providers, if needed. An experienced disability attorney can shepherd your claim through the review process, making sure that your case doesn't get lost in the crush of the huge number of claims in the SSA pipeline. They will save you the time, energy and stress of dealing with the confusing bureaucracy of the Social Security Administration.

If your claim goes to a hearing with an administrative law judge, your attorney will prepare you for your testimony, accompany you to court, cross examine expert witnesses and argue your case before the judge. The attorney will assemble all of the evidence you'll need to support your claim and ease your path through the hearing process.

Copyright (c) 2010 Sharon A Christie

Sharon Christie is a nurse and an attorney in Timonium, Maryland. She handles Social Security disability and serious personal injury cases. Find out more about Sharon A Christie and request her popular free book, the Unofficial Guide to Social Security Disability Claims at http://www.SharonChristieLaw.com. You can also reach her at 410-823-8200.

Questions You Should Ask Yourself Before Applying For Social Security Disability Benefits

Every year the Social Security Administration (SSA) receives more than 2 million applications for Social Security Disability benefits. Of these applications, only 30 percent are approved at the initial stage of the application process. Oftentimes, initial applications are denied due to a lack of information, misunderstanding of the disability requirements or improper preparation of the evidence provided. If you are filing an application for disability benefits, understanding the requirements and what is expected of you can help increase your chances of a favorable decision. Before filing your application for Social Security benefits, ask yourself the following questions.

Do You Have Enough Work Credits?

There are two types of Social Security benefits available to disabled individuals. Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (SSDI) are for individuals who have enough work credits accumulated to qualify for disability benefits. Workers who pay into the Social Security program usually receive four credits per year. The number of credits needed to qualify for SSDI benefits will vary depending on your age and your work history.

If you do not have enough credits to qualify for SSDI benefits, you may qualify for Supplemental Security Income benefits (SSI). Supplemental Security Income is a needs-based disability program. To qualify for SSI payments your household income and assets will need to be below a certain level.

Do You Have Proper Medical Evidence?

Your medical records play the biggest role in whether or not you are qualified to receive Social Security Disability benefits. If you do not have the proper medical records, your application for disability will be denied. Get copies of your medical records before filing your disability claim and make sure those records include documentation of your disability and how it interferes with your ability to work.

Will Your Doctor Provide a Statement?

If your doctor is willing to provide a written statement attesting to the fact that your disability prevents you from working you will be much more likely to be approved for disability benefits. Discuss your plan to apply for benefits with the doctor or doctors who are treating your condition and ask them if they are willing to provide a written statement regarding your condition and how it affects your ability to perform substantial gainful work activity.

Do You Need to Get Treatment?

Some people assume that they will be more likely to get Social Security Disability benefits if they don't follow recommended treatment for their condition. Although it is true that your condition may be more severe without advised treatments, the SSA is unlikely to approve your claim for disability benefits if you do not follow recommend treatment options. The examiner will want to see how your condition responds to treatment prior to approving your Social Security Disability claim.

Do You Have to Attend the Consultative Exam?

In some cases the SSA examiner will request that you go in for a consultative exam to determine the extent of your disabling condition. Many applicants wonder if they are required to attend this exam in order to receive disability benefits. The answer to this question is yes. If you hope to receive disability payments, you will need to attend the consultative exam if one is requested.

Can I Work While Applying for Disability?

It can take months or even years to be approved for Social Security Disability benefits. Because of this, many individuals wonder if they are allowed to work while going through the Social Security Disability application process. While there is no law stating that you can not work when applying for benefits, your chances of being approved for benefits are significantly reduced if you do so. This is due to the fact that you are applying for benefits due to your inability to work. If you are working when applying for benefits, it will invalidate your reason for needing Social Security Disability payments.

Do You Need a Lawyer?

You do not need a lawyer to apply for disability. If your initial application is denied, however, it may be in your best interests to retain the services of a qualified Social Security Disability attorney. Statistics show that individuals who are represented by an attorney during the disability appeal process are more likely to receive a favorable outcome than those who are not.

Filing for disability can be a complex and confusing topic. Understanding the information above can help you in obtaining a favorable decision regarding your disability application. If, for some reason, your application for disability benefits is denied, you should consider hiring a Social Security Disability attorney to file an appeal regarding the decision.

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Why You Should Apply For Social Security Disability Benefits Right Away

Procrastination seems to be the rule rather than an exception when it comes to filing applications for social security benefits. There are quite a few out there who end up creating unprecedented delays in filing their applications. Most of these people end up waiting for more than several months before applying for these benefits that they are entitled to. Some people decide to wait, as they remain unsure about their eligibility while others do not realize the benefits that these schemes can offer. For those who have very little information about these Social Security Disability Benefits it is important to learn why these schemes are so useful. The entire procedure is fast and simple; making it easier for you to avail the benefits right from the day you make the request.

You can easily get in touch with a law firm or an advocacy group to learn whether you are eligible for these benefits. You must select a firm that specializes in dealing with these cases. A reputed firm can provide you the necessary inputs and consultation within a few hours. These firms can help you to decide if you should pursue this process. It is further interesting to note that these law firms receive payment from you only when you qualify for the benefits under the Social Security Disability schemes. Therefore, these firms ensure that they provide you the right consultation and advice.

By choosing the best law firm that specializes in these benefits, you can reduce the time period significantly. After receiving these benefits for 2 consecutive years, you automatically become eligible for the Medicare scheme. The 2 year time span also referred to as the 24 months period refers to the time when you receive benefits under this scheme. This makes it further important to apply at the earliest. A prompt action can secure your health and make you eligible for the best medical care.

Roland Poitevin is a dedicated writer with a passion for business and environmental issues. You can check out his new website at Best Dog Foods which helps people find the Healthiest Dog Foods and where you'll find reviews of Innova Dog Food and information they are looking relating to this subject.

What You Should Know When Applying For Social Security Disability Benefits

There is a certain stigma against the disabled in this country that leaves people feeling like second-class citizens if they need a little help paying their living expenses due to an injury or illness. While it may not be preferable for you to go on the public dole, you'll be happy to know that it is possible for a person to collect social security disability benefits and still work part-time at a job. As long as you make less than $980/month at your job, you can collect SSDI benefits from the Social Security Administration as well.

The first step to applying for social security disability benefits is to visit your local Social Security office, call 1-800-772-1213 or visit SSA to fill out a social security disability application and adult work history form. Once you file your initial disability insurance claim, you'll need to wait 90 to 120 days for a decision. Since there are millions of applications submitted each year and no mandated deadlines, you could feasibly wait even longer. Your claim will be reviewed to see if you fit all the qualifications. Generally speaking, for SSDI benefits, you must have worked 5 out of the last 10 years, you must fit their classification of "disabled" and you must not make more than $980/month (as of May 2009).

The next stage of applying for social security disability benefits occurs if your application is rejected. Approximately 64% of all applicants are initially denied assistance, so you shouldn't take it to heart and give up. By law, you are entitled to file a social security disability appeal and request reconsideration. During the reconsideration, an administrator will look over your files again.

Sometimes circumstances change and another 14% of claimants get approved this way. If you are still denied, then you can file a second appeal that is called a "request for hearing," which will have you meet with an administrative law judge within 50 miles of your home. Over 60% of the people who appear at a hearing get approved, so it often pays to persevere, and get a lawyer!

When filing for disability, you should plan on making several appeals before your case is won and your social security disability benefits are awarded. This means that it could take more than a year to finish the process. In the meantime, you will need to be conscientious about not incurring new debts and in restructuring existing debts. You may also need to apply for other aid programs like food stamps, HEAP or prescription drug assistance programs as you wait.

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