If you become disabled and unable to work, you may be entitled to receive benefits from the Social Security administration, regardless of your age. The purpose of this article is to explain how you can initially file for Social Security benefits and to provide you with a few things to keep in mind when you apply.
Social Security
Under the Social Security Administration, there are two programs to which you can apply to receive Social Security benefits:
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) – available to those who are disabled but have already worked for a specified period of time. SSDI payments are based on the earnings record of the disabled individual.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – available to a disabled individual who has insufficient income and financial resources to support oneself. SSI payments are variable and based on need.
How to File For Social Security
There are four ways to file for Social Security benefits:
1. By calling the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213. When you call, they will arrange a time for you to have a disability representative take your initial application over the phone.
2. By visiting your local Social Security Administration office in person to make an appointment for an interview with a representative and to fill out your initial application.
3. By visiting the Social Security Administration website at www.socialsecurity.gov to fill out an electronic application.
4. By hiring a qualified Social Security attorney to help you pursue your claim for Social Security benefits.
A few important questions to ask the Social Security representative
When you (or your attorney) speak with a Social Security representative, there are three important questions you want answered. The answers to these questions will tell you to what Social Security benefits you may be entitled, and they will help you (and your attorney) calculate how much in past and future benefits you may be entitled to receive.
- What is your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA)? This is the amount of the monthly Social Security payments you would be entitled to if you were approved for benefits.
- What is your Date Last Insured (DLI)? Your DLI is the last date upon which you are eligible for SSDI benefits. This is very important, as you must be able to prove that your disability began before this cut-off date.
- Are you eligible for SSI or SSDI or both? Depending on your work history, the number of credits you have paid into the system and your financial situation you maybe eligible for one or the other, or both.
If you have additional questions regarding filing for Social Security benefits, contact an experienced Oklahoma Social Security attorney who can further explain the application process and help you to get started pursuing benefits.
Confidential Consultation: Muskogee Social Security Attorney
Contact the Wirth Law Office – Muskogee for a initial consultation today with a Muskogee Social Security lawyer at (918) 913-0725 or call toll-free at (888) 947-8452. If you prefer to contact us by email, use the form at the top of this page .
