Social Security is a supplemental retirement system that was established in 1935.
The intent of Social Security is to keep retirees out of poverty, to provide a safe and stable monetary support system for the elderly, and to provide income for family members of a disabled or deceased worker.
The three main Social Security programs are Social Security Retirement Benefits, Social Security Disability Benefits, and Social Security Survivors Benefits.
How do you qualify for Social Security Benefits?
Age: Individuals must be at least 62 years old to receive retirement benefits.
Length of employment: Individuals must have worked for at least 40 quarters (over the life of their work experience) and paid into Social Security through payroll deductions (or on their own if self-employed).
Disability Benefits: Eligibility is based upon a determination by the Social Security system along with the above listed qualifications (except for disability applicants under the age of 18).
Why do you need a Social Security Attorney for Appeals?
Applying for Social Security is often a complex and frustrating process. An experienced Social Security attorney can walk you through the steps involved and facilitate filing your claim.
Disability claims have become exceedingly complex throughout the years in regards to determining if the claimant is actually disabled and entitled to recover. A skilled Social Security attorney is often crucial to your disability case.
The deadlines involved in the claim process are extremely important. Failure to file certain forms or provide evidence by a deadline could lead to the denial of your Social Security claim. An attorney will ensure that all deadlines are met.
70% of Social Security applicants do not win their claim at the basic application level. Therefore, these applicants need to proceed through the appeals process. If a claim is denied at the application level, the claimant will more likely than not have to appear before a judge at some point.
About 85% of first appeals are turned down. The use of an attorney during the first and second appeals process can significantly improve your chances of receiving Social Security benefits.
At a hearing, about 60% of claimants that are represented by an attorney win their disability benefits. In contrast, only about 40% of unrepresented claimants win their benefits.
