Filing for Social Security Benefits | SocialSecurityLawFirms.com

One of the first two questions that people ask when they think of filing for social security benefits is how do i file for social security and am I eligible? Fortunately, Social Security has embraced the advances in technology and you can now file for social security online as well as use other useful tools. Social Security has developed a Benefits Eligibility Screen Tool (BEST). Using BEST you can determine your eligibility for retirement, disability coverage, survivors, special veterans, and supplemental security income. BEST is user friendly and can be used by someone trying to help a friend or relative who is concerned about a social security disability benefit as well as the potential claimant.

Filing the Social Security Application

If you have determined that you may be eligible, the next step is to apply. The toll free number also allows you to:

apply for benefits on the phone
make an appointment with your local Social Security Office to apply in the office

You can also apply for benefits online. One of the great advantages of using the online service is that it you apply at your own pace. You can print preliminary application information that will tell you what type of information you need to gather to complete your application. You can save the application and return to it when you have the medical information that you need. It will also direct you as to what information you may need to send into social security locations. Once you have filed the application, Social Security will contact you to verify information, to request additional information or to set up appointments with Social Security doctors if they do not have enough information.

How to Make the Application Process Go Smoothly

Social Security is an information driven system. The decisions they make on your claim are dependent upon the information you supply. Get as many of your records together as you can before applying. Do not be afraid to question answers you receive. Like any bureaucracy, Social Security makes mistakes. You also have the right to see your records. You can look at them to determine if information is missing or incomplete.

If you Need Legal Help Filing Social Security

You do have the right to have representation concerning any aspect of social security. Your representative can be an attorney or other qualified person. You may not need a lawyer when filing the initial application but might need an advocate to help you with the application. There are agencies that can help you. AARP is a good resource for issues dealing with retirement. For Disability, related advocacy the National Disability Rights Network (www.napas.org) can direct you to services that are available in your state. Legal representation is advisable when dealing with the technical nature of disability claims or issues involving eligibility for any Social Security program.

Summary

Find out what Social Security programs for which you may be eligible. Use Social Security’s toll free number or the Benefits Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST) online. File your application online, at your local Social Security office or by phone. There are agencies in every state that can assist you with applying for benefits. Legal counsel is advisable if a claim is denied or if there is questions eligibility or involving disability benefits.

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