Social Security Benefits

In the United States, Social Security is a program that has the purpose to protect all Americans, serving as a safety net for every citizen. Social Security kicks in as retirement benefits, disabled benefits, and it supports widows, widowers, and children whose parents have passed away. Recently, more than 44 million Americans collect some type of Government Social Security benefit while eligibility depends on certain requirements.

Available benefits

• Disabled worker benefits under age 65
• Retired worker age 62 or older
• Spouse of a retired worker/disabled worker age 62 or older (with a child under age 16)
• Spouse of a retired worker/disabled worker age 62 or older (with a disabled child)
• Divorced spouse of a retired/disabled worker age 62 or older (married for 10 years)
• Dependent-Unmarried child of a retired/disabled/deceased worker
• Surviving spouses age 60 or older
• Disabled, surviving spouse of a deceased worker age 50-59 (disabled within given time)
• Surviving spouse of deceased worker, regardless of age, caring for entitled child under age 16 or disabled before age 22
• Dependent parents of a deceased worker at age 62 or older

How much will Social Security pay me?

When filing for Social Security Benefits, several factors come into play before a decision as to how much you will be paid can be reached. Benefits are based on your date of birth, the amount you are applying for as well as the type of benefit. As might seem like a vague predictor of how much you could be paid out, there is the possibility of a detailed estimate of your Social Security benefits. At the Social Security Administration, there is a form (SSA-7004) available to fill out, which will then be sent back to you with a detailed estimate of your benefits. As a rule of thumb, approximately 42 percent of your earnings will be replaced by Social Security benefits.

Appealing Social Security

There are certain cases where the applicant does not agree with the estimated amount to be paid out. If that is the case, you have the right to appeal in front of an Administrative law judge. However, it is suggested that you consult legal assistance as this may increase your chances of winning your case.

If you are about to apply for any type of Social Security benefits, if you have any questions regarding the legal processes and implications, or if you are an applicant and would like to appeal the amount that you have been quoted, contact one of our Social Security lawyers in your area today.