Social Security Benefits are the government’s way of supplementing the income of citizens who need financial assistance. The benefits are, however, not available to everyone due to limited resources, and there is a strict application process which many fail to scale through.

Applying for social security benefits is a strenuous task which can cost you much time and yield nothing in the end. For this reason, we advise people to hire disability lawyers in SC who have experience applying for social security benefits and know how to present cases to the Social Security Administration to get the best results.

SSI and SSDI

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program administered by Social Security which pays monthly benefits to people who have limited income, are disabled, blind, aged 65 or older. Children younger than eighteen (18) who are blind or disabled are also entitled to SSI benefits if they meet specific requirements. Children over 18 but below 22 may also qualify for SSI if they are still in school.

To qualify for Supplemental Security Income, a child must be disabled as defined by the SSA, and the disability must meet or “equal” a listing. The child must also be unmarried and must not be the head of a household. Further, the child and members of his family must not have an income exceeding a certain sum.

When a child who has benefitted from SSI turns 18 or 22, his or her disability will be reviewed, and he or she may qualify for SSDI.

Social Security Disability Insurance is a payroll tax-funded insurance program administered by Social Security. It is a disability benefit given to people who are disabled and have sufficient work credits. To benefit from SSDI, a person must have had qualifying employment for several years. Qualifying employment is any job which contributed to the payroll tax for SSDI.

A child (under 18 or 19 if he or she is a full-time student) can receive SSDI benefits based on the earnings of his or her parents. An adult can also benefit from SSDI through his or her parent’s work credits. To qualify to receive benefits under SSDI, one of his or her parents must:

1. Have Social Security retirement or disability benefits or
2. Have died and got enough work credits to qualify for Social Security.

As a dependent SSDI beneficiary, an adult child must:

1. Be unmarried or married to someone who qualifies for and received SSDI benefits.
2. Be disabled by the SSA’s adult standards

How Child Disability Lawyers Can Help You

To apply for SSDI benefits for your dependent adult child, you have to get in touch with the SSA via their toll-free number 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local field office. You would need your child’s birth certificate and social security number as well as yours or the parent whose earnings the child is claiming under. To begin the process, fill out an Adult Disability Report online and authorize your doctors to disclose information to the SSA.

You would also need to provide:

1. Proof of the worker’s marriage to the child’s natural or adoptive parent
2. Proof that the child is a US citizen or lawful alien
3. W-2 forms or self-employment tax returns if the child worked in the last year
4. Proof of death, if the worker is deceased

You would also need to answer a myriad of questions listed on the SSA website. The questions can be tricky, and how you answer them would determine whether or not your child’s claim is approved. You need to be able to respond to the questions in a way that shows why your child should get SSDI benefits.

Hiring an experienced child disability lawyer will give you the insight you need to ensure your claim is approved. Your child disability lawyer has experience dealing with cases just like yours and knows how to present your case to the SSA to get the most favorable results. Your child disability lawyer would liaise with you and your doctors and other caregivers to ensure that all documents presented to the SSA present your child’s case in a way that meets SSA’s standards.

When to Get in Touch with Children Disability Lawyers

It would be best if you got in touch with a child disability lawyer once you decide to file for SSDI benefits. If you already filed and faced rejection, no need to fret; contact a child disability lawyer at J. Robert Surface today to help you prepare your next application.

The process of applying and getting approved for social disability claims is generally smooth. However, there are times when the application is rejected. Unfortunately, the Social Security Disability claim department often does not provide clear reasons as to the reasons for this rejection. In most cases, the application is rejected because the individual used the wrong form to complete the initial application or did not provide sufficient health information regarding the disability.

So what should one do?

Most people have no idea how the Social Security Administration agency works. In an effort to ensure that there are no fraudulent applications, there are many rules and regulations that all applications must abide by. It is thus always a good idea to seek the services of a social security disability lawyer as they can help you understand the process of applying as well appealing in case of a rejection.

Here are some reasons why you should have a social security disability attorney to help you with your social security disability claim:

1. Experience: Selecting the right disability lawyer with experience in dealing with denied social security disability claims is vital. Social security disability lawyers often handle such cases regularly and know what is required and what can be done to help ensure an application is approved or reversed in case it has already been rejected. Disability lawyers know the appeal process and can save you a lot of time and effort.

2. Completing the right forms: Applying for government benefits generally involves the filling out of forms and providing detailed documentation. A mistake in completing the form or using the wrong form altogether can easily result in an application being rejected. When you hire a social security disability attorney, they will guide you with the right forms, which can save time as well as reduce the chances of rejection.

3. The hearing: Many people who appeal their case at the Social Security Disability court have no idea what they will be asked and what they are supposed to bring. By hiring a disability lawyer, you will be better prepared for the appeals process, and will know how to answer the questions and what relevant forms you need to bring to court.

Most people hesitate to hire a disability lawyer because they feel that the cost would be too high. But it is important to understand that a social security disability lawyer cannot simply charge large sums of money to represent you for an SSD case. The fees are set by the social security administration, and they cannot be altered without express written permission by the agency.

In general, most lawyers fees are handled on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay if you win the case. However, if you win the award, the lawyer in most case will expect a contingency fee rate of 25% of the back pay benefits. The lawyer’s fees are capped and not dependent on the award. When you first see a disability attorney, they will tell you all about the fees so that you know where you stand.

It is true that you are free to represent yourself at the social services administration court. The agency provides a lot of information about the application and appeals process on its website. But the chance of a smooth approval is much higher when you have a social security disability lawyer by your side.

Contact a Social Security Disability Lawyer in Greenville, SC

If you need more information about SSDI benefits, contact a disability attorney in Greenville, SC. This can help ensure that your application for social security benefits is not delayed or denied. Contact our social security disability lawyers at J. Robert Surface Attorney at Law and they will be happy to assist you.

We are here to help you if you have received notification that your application for SSDI benefits has been denied. Our social security disability lawyers will ensure that your legal rights are fulfilled and you get the benefits that you deserve. Call our office today, and one of our social security disability lawyers will help you with your application. We believe that the reasons for rejection are sometimes completely preventable, such as using the wrong form, or providing incomplete or inaccurate information. When you contact our disability attorneys, they will tell you exactly what information to provide and how to provide. Call us today, and we will be happy to assist you.

Social security disability insurance (SSDI) is a program for people who have a genuine injury. However, many people apply for SSDI even though they are not eligible because of which a significant number of applicants are rejected.

Here are some common reasons why your SSDI can be denied:

1. You have a high income: SSDI is usually given to people who need it. It is a benefit for workers who have contributed to the program over many years. However, there is an income limit beyond which the agency will not pay. In order to be eligible for SSDI, your monthly income should be $1200 or lower. Your investments do not count towards the SSDI benefits. If you make more than $1500 a month, the agency may either reduce your payment or cancel the benefits.
2. You have a mild disability: In order to qualify for SSDI, the administration must be convinced that you have a severe impairment that will last at least 12 months or longer.  Injuries such as carpal tunnel, finger fracture, or whiplash usually result in rejection of the SSDI application because these injuries do not cause prolonged disability. However, each case is evaluated separately,  and the applicant must have medical evidence to back up their claims of severe impairment.
3. Faking an illness: There are some people who fake their injury claiming they are disabled and not able to work. While you may initially receive payments, if the administration finds out that your injury was faked, not only will you have to pay back all the money, but you may even be incarcerated and must pay a monetary penalty. In addition, any future applications from you will be thoroughly evaluated before you get any money. The ban on benefits is usually permanent for people who are convicted of disability fraud.
4. Missing location: When you apply for SSDI, you must have a bona fide home address. You can’t list a PO box number. The agency will contact you at home, and if they can’t find you, you will be denied the benefits. Similarly, if any of the information in your application is wrong, like your phone number, address, date of birth, marital status, etc., the benefits will be denied until the information has been corrected. If your application is being handled by a disability lawyer, make sure you keep in touch with them to get an update and also provide them with completely accurate information to avoid any hassles.
5. Missing or incomplete medical history: In order to receive SSDI benefits, you must have proof of an injury. Failing to provide health information is a common reason for denial. In some cases, the SS Administration will ask for a second opinion from another physician if they suspect that the injury is not severe. if you fail to cooperate or provide the required medical information, your application will be denied.
6. Failing to show up: In almost all cases, you will have to show up for meetings with an officer from SSA. If you regularly miss the meetings and do not inform SSA of the reasons for absenteeism, your claim will be denied. Similarly, if you have been prescribed a certain medication or treatment, you must follow up with doctors and rehabilitation, and you must attend these appointments. Failure to do so can result in denial of your claim.

Contact a Social Security Disability Lawyer in Greenville, SC

If your SSDI claim has been denied, speak to a disability lawyer who may be able to determine the reason for the rejection and the measures that can be taken to appeal this decision. and advise you with the next step.

For more information regarding SSDI benefits and the complete information that should be provided with your application, please call the social security disability lawyers at J. Robert Surface Attorney at Law.

Our lawyers have significant experience handling people whose SSDI application has been denied. If you have received notification that this happened, please call our office today, and we will be able to determine if you have a valid case. Sometimes, applications are denied for very silly reasons, and people sometimes put in incomplete or wrong information. This can just delay the process of approval, and that is why it is best to ask a disability lawyer to prepare your paperwork so that everything runs smoothly. Call us today, and our lawyers will be happy to assist you.

People who are employed by others have tax deductions from their salary each month. In addition, some of the money from their salary is also collected as social security benefits, which they receive after they turn 65 years old. However, there are many people who are self-employed or do freelance work. How do they become eligible for social security disability benefits? How does the system work for them?

The first and most important thing to understand is that if you do not pay taxes, you are not eligible for social security benefits. People who are self-employed can qualify for social security benefits as long as they have paid self-employment taxes and worked the required number of years to become eligible for social security benefits. For example, if you have worked just four years as a freelancer or have had your own business for only two years, you will not be eligible for social security benefits. In order to be eligible for social security benefits, you need to work for at least 10 years.

The Social Security Administration determines eligibility with a credit system. Essentially, for every year you work and pay taxes, you get four credits, and you need 40 credits in total to be eligible for social security benefits.

There are some business owners who are not required to pay the self-employment tax, especially those with S-corporations. These individuals will not be eligible for social society benefits unless they have paid into the tax system through some other job or means of income. While only individuals who have worked ten years and have 40 credits are eligible for social security benefits, there are some people who may be eligible with fewer credits – especially those with a disability.

All individuals who work in the US must pay into the tax system and have money deducted for social security. The maximum number of credits you can earn in a year is 4. It does not matter in which year the four credits are collected.

How much benefit does one get from social security?

The amount of disability benefits are based on how much earnings you have reported. The work credits have nothing to do with the amount; they simply qualify you for the benefits. The Social Security Administration  uses complex formulas to determine how much benefit you will receive, but basically, it involves how much you have earned and how much tax you have paid. For example, if you paid very little tax, this means very little money was deducted for social security, and hence this also means that you will also get a very small amount of money in the form of social security benefits.

All self-employed people must file a self-employment tax form every year. The self-employment tax rate is 15.3%, and about 12.4% goes to social security and the rest to Medicaid. Therefore, if you want social security benefits, it’s best if you pay for your taxes. There is no free ride with social security. You get what you pay into the system.

Contact the Social Security Disability Lawyers at the Surface Law Firm

The determination of social security benefits is pretty simple when it comes to people who are in the workforce and pay their taxes through their employer. But when you are self-employed, you have to ensure you file your taxes every year. It doesn’t matter how much money you make. You still have to file your taxes. However, the amount of social security benefits you will receive is dependent on how much taxes you paid and how much you contributed towards the social security benefit fund.

For more information regarding SSDI benefits for the self-employed, you can talk to a social security disability lawyers at J. Robert Surface Attorney at Law.  The team of social security disability lawyers at Robert Surface have handled many cases of self-employed individuals who want to ensure they get the benefits that they’ve worked hard for throughout their professional life. If you want to make sure you don’t lose out on the benefits you also have to make sure that you are filing your taxes properly and you are declaring your business income/self-employed income properly and accurately. Lots of self-employed people make the mistake of hiding their income so that they won’t have to pay a lot of tax. But this can go against you in the long run. For more information, call us today, and our social security disability lawyers will be happy to assist you.

Social Security Disability (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are two very different governmental programs with different eligibility criteria.

First, it is important to understand that both of these programs are managed and run by the Social Security Administration. In addition, the eligibility for disability is evaluated in the same fashion for both programs, but there are differences between the two.

The major difference between SSDI and SSI is that SSDI is only available to employees (workers) who have worked and accumulated an adequate number of work credits. On the other hand, SSI disability benefits are generally available to individuals with low income who have not earned enough work credits or have never worked to qualify for SSDI.

What is Supplementary Security Income?

SSI is a financial aid program that is based strictly on an individual’s assets and income. This program is funded from the general taxes collected. SSI has nothing to do with employment or a person’s work history. It is based solely on the financial need of the individual. To qualify for SSI, one must have assets of less than $2,000 (or $3,000 for a couple) and must have very little or no income. The majority of people on food stamps also qualify for SSI.

In addition, individuals who are disabled and have no or little income are also eligible to receive Medicaid. However, the amount of SSI an individual will receive varies, depending on which state they reside in and the amount of any regular income that they have each month. If you satisfy the requirements for SSI benefits, the money will be directly deposited in your bank account, or you will be sent a check beginning on the first of the month when the application was submitted.

What Is Social Security Disability Insurance?

SSDI is strictly funded from the taxes collected while you work. Individuals who are eligible for SSDI have worked for a certain number of years and have made a contribution to the social security fund in the form of FICA social security taxes.

To be eligible for SSDI, the person has to be younger than 65 but older than 18 and must have earned a minimum number of work credits. Once a disabled individual starts to receive SSDI for 24 months, they will be eligible for Medicare.

Under the SSDI program, the spouse and dependent children of the disabled individual are also eligible to receive auxiliary benefits or what is also known as partial dependent benefits.

Once an application has been made for SSDI and is approved, there is a 5-month waiting period for the benefits to be paid. Once the waiting period has elapsed, the amount of monthly benefits one receives depend on the record of earnings. Unlike SSI, one is more likely to be approved for SSDI benefits. The key reason is that applicants for SSDI usually have a work history, have a high income and have earned a certain number of work credits. In addition, these individuals are more likely to have seen a healthcare provider to confirm and manage their health problems. It is almost impossible to get any disability without seeing a healthcare worker.

Contact a Greenville Disability Lawyer

If you are interested in obtaining more information about SSDI benefits, you should contact a Greenville disability lawyer. Keep in mind that sometimes application for these benefits can be delayed or denied. It is best to use the services of a social disability attorney so that the risk of denial is minimized. Contact a Greenville disability lawyer at J. Robert Surface Attorney at Law and they will be able to assist you.

In case you have received a denial of SSDI benefits, again, it is recommended that you speak to a Greenville disability lawyer.  Our disability lawyers can help you handle the delivery process and will also ensure that your legal rights with respect to SSDI are fulfilled. Call our office today to set up your first consultation with a Greenville disability lawyer.

There is no point in taking a risk as far as your SSDI benefits are concerned. There are certain laws in place in Greenville, South Carolina and our social security disability lawyers are here to ensure that these rights are maintained and you receive the benefits if you are eligible for them. Call us now, and our disability lawyers will be happy to assist you.

A disability lawyer in Greenville can help you through the process of securing social security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits when you have received a denial letter. Having a denial of SSDI does not mean your fight for benefits is over. A South Carolina disability attorney will help you through the appeals process. They will advise you of your legal rights as you fight for the SSDI benefits you deserve.

Your social security disability lawyer in Greenville can help you after a denial of benefits. They will guide you through the first step of the appeals process, which is the reconsideration process. Here, you will have your request for disability benefits reviewed again by a third party of the Social Security Administration.

The third party will determine, based on the evidence provided, if your case is eligible for SSDI. The will review your case independently from the decision that was previously made that denied your right to SSDI benefits.

When do I Need to Get a Lawyer Involved?

If your case is denied during the reconsideration process, you will then need your disability lawyer in Greenville, SC to appeal your case. During this process, you will need to have a hearing before an administrative law judge. Your South Carolina social security disability attorney will represent you during your hearing.

An administrative law judge will review your case and all the evidence that is presented by your social security disability lawyer in Greenville. They will make a determination if you should receive SSDI based on the information provided by your attorney.

If your case continues to receive a denial of SSDI benefits, you will need to have a review by the appeals council. During the review, the appeals council will look at your case and determine if the administrative law judge made an accurate decision. They will review all the information in your case or send it back to the administrative law judge for another review.

The last level of appeal is to go to federal court with your case. You would have your case heard before a judge, where your Greenville disability attorney will present all the evidence in your case. Your social security disability lawyer in Greenville, SC will develop a strong case that shows the extent of your disability and eligibility for SSDI.

Working with a social security disability lawyer in Greenville can provide you with the assurance you need to move forward with your appeal. They can help you fight for your right to SSDI benefits. They will take your case through every step of the appeals process if necessary until you do secure benefits for your disability.

Can a Social Security Disability Lawyer in Greenville, SC Fight My Denial of SSDI Benefits?

A social security disability lawyer in Greenville will take your SSDI case after you have received a denial of benefits. They know the appeals process and will represent you in each stage of the appeals process. They can help guide you through the legal process of securing SSDI and advise you of your legal rights.

You do deserve SSDI when you have a disability that is limiting your ability to work. The South Carolina disability attorneys can win your case after a denial of benefits. They know the laws for SSDI and can fight an appeal of your SSDI compensation. Let your social security disability lawyer in Greenville, SC fight for you and your right to SSDI benefits.

Contact a Disability Lawyer in Greenville, SC Now

If you have received a denial of SSDI benefits, you need a disability lawyer in Greenville, SC to take your case. The Greenville social security disability attorneys at J. Robert Surface Attorney at Law can help. They will represent you during the appeals process and fight for your legal right to SSDI. They can advise you of your legal rights and will get you the benefits you deserve for your disability. Let the South Carolina disability attorneys at J. Robert Surface Attorney at Law take your case. Contact us today to set up a consultation. We are ready to assist you now.

Social security disability insurance (SSDI) is a complex program that is difficult for most people to understand. The Social Security Administration has a variety of rules and process that are required to secure benefits. This can be confusing and challenging to understand for anyone. An SSDI attorney in Greenville, SC, can help you with the filing process for SSDI. To make it a little easier to comprehend the laws of SSDI, your Greenville disability lawyers have compiled the most important things you need to know about SSDI here.

Who Can Receive SSDI in Greenville, SC?

SSDI pays benefits to people that are unable to work because they have a disability or medical condition. These conditions need to last for at least a year or will result in death. Social Security Administration has strict definitions of disabilities. Your Greenville disability lawyers will help you understand if you qualify for benefits under the law.

The Social Security Administration also has strict policies in place to obtain benefits under the program. Having a disability lawyer in Greenville, South Carolina, on your side can help. They will help you through the filing process. They will fight to get you benefits, and they will fight an appeal if necessary.

How Do I Apply for SSDI In Greenville, SC?

There are two ways that you can apply for SSDI in South Carolina. You can apply online, or you can apply by calling your local Social Security office directly. When you apply for SSDI by phone, you will need to make an appointment for an interview. The interview will last about one hour, and there is special assistance provided for those that are deaf or hard of hearing.

When Should I Apply for SSDI in Greenville, SC?

Applying for SSDI in Greenville, SC, should happen as soon as you have a disability. The filing process does take some time to complete, and you want to make sure that you receive your SSDI as soon as possible. The Social Security Administration typically takes three to five months to process your SSDI application.

Having Greenville disability lawyers to help you with the filing process can ensure that you receive your SSDI benefits as soon as possible. They will make sure that you have all the required documents for filing and will process your application with the Social Security Administration immediately.

Do I Need to be Working to Apply for SSDI in Greenville, SC?

SSDI requires that you have worked in some capacity for a specific duration of time. During the time that you worked, you paid into the SSDI fund, and this provides you with entitlement to benefits when you develop a disability that prevents you from working.

The Social Security Administration has strict rules about their work policies. Your Greenville disability lawyers can help to determine if you qualify for SSDI based on how long you have held employment.

How Will I Know If My SSDI Benefits are Approved in Greenville, SC?

The Social Security Administration will contact you by mail once your application for SSDI has been approved. The letter from the administration will include your benefit amount as well as the effective date for when you will receive benefits. Your Greenville disability lawyers can calculate your SSDI benefits before filing.

Can a Social Security Disability Attorney in Greenville, SC Help Me?

Having a social security disability attorney in Greenville, SC, can help you receive benefits for your disability. They will walk you through the process of filing and support you if you should receive a denial of benefits.

A disability lawyer in Greenville, South Carolina, will fight for your legal right to SSDI. They will help you receive the maximum benefits for your disability. You can count on a social security disability attorney in Greenville to secure your SSDI benefits. Let your Greenville disability attorney answer all your questions related to SSDI during a consultation and provide you with the information you need to apply for your benefits.

Contact Your Greenville Disability Lawyers Now

If you need help securing SSDI, you need Greenville disability lawyers that you can trust. The Greenville disability lawyers at J. Robert Surface Attorney at Law can help. They will take your case. They will fight for your legal right to benefits. Let the Greenville, SC, social security disability attorneys at J. Robert Surface Attorney at Law take your case. Contact us today to set up a consultation. We are ready to assist you now.

Disability doesn’t just affect the ill or injured person. Loved ones also suffer, especially financially. If the disabled person is unable to earn an income, their children and spouse often struggle. Families don’t usually plan for such circumstances. They don’t even like to think about them. Luckily, your family can benefit if you are eligible for Social Security.

What is Disability Under Social Security?

Under Social Security, the definition of disability is stricter than under some other programs. Social Security only pays for total disability. It does not cover short-term disability or partial disability. The assumption is that families have access to other resources for short-term conditions. These include insurance, savings and workers’ compensation.

The Social Security Administration considers you disabled if:

• You can’t do the work you did before
• You can’t adjust to other work because of your condition
• Your disability is expected to last for at least one year or result in death

How to Qualify for Social Security Benefits, According to Disability Lawyers in Greenville, SC

You must have worked in jobs which allowed you to be eligible for Social Security. Then, you must have a medical condition which meets the above definition. Social Security generally pays monthly benefits to individuals who can’t work for a year or longer because of a disability. You get benefits until you are able to work regularly again.

You must also have worked long enough and recently enough to qualify for benefits. The SSA determines work credits based on your total yearly wages or income from self-employment. Each year, you earn up four credits. The amount of work needed for a credit changes each year. For 2018, you earned one credit for each $1, 320 of income.  You would, therefore, earn four credits when you earned $5, 280.

There is something else you need to consider. The number of work credits you need depends on your age when you become disabled. You generally need 40 credits. You should have earned 20 of them in the last ten years. Younger workers may be able to qualify even though they have fewer credits.

Benefits Your Children Can Receive Under Social Security If You are Disabled

Once you have qualified for disability benefits, your children can also receive benefits based on your record. The eligible child can be your biological child, stepchild or adopted child. If you have a dependent grandchild, they may also qualify.

In order to receive benefits, your child must be unmarried. They must also be:

• Younger than age 18
• A full-time student in grade or lower if they are 18 to 19 years old
• 18 or older with a disability that began before the age of 22

Children’s benefits usually stop at age 18 unless they are disabled or in school full-time. For those still in school, benefits continue until they graduate or two months after they turn 19, whichever comes first.

An adult who developed a disability before age 22 may be eligible for children’s benefits. They receive support when you start getting disability benefits. This is considered a child’s benefit because it is based on the parent’s record. It does not matter if the disabled adult child has never worked. The adult child can be an adopted child, stepchild, grandchild or step-grandchild. They must be age 18 or older and meet the definition of disability in adults.

If you don’t qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance, your disabled children may still be able to get support. They may be eligible for assistance under the Supplemental Security Income program. SSI is for low-income individuals who become disabled. There are specific requirements for qualification. The resources of the entire household are taken into consideration.

The child must meet specific medical requirements for eligibility. They must:

• Have “marked and severe” limitations. These limitations must severely interfere with their ability to function at the level of other children their age.
• Have been disabled for the past 12 months or be expected to be disabled for 12 months. Alternatively, they must have a disability that is expected to result in death.
• Not be working and earning over $1,200 per month.

Disabled children don’t have to prove they won’t be able to work. The SSA will determine whether the child’s limitations are so severe that they need to move to full disability.

Contact Disability Lawyers in Greenville, SC for Assistance

If you are disabled and finding it difficult to get your children covered until Social Security, you need an attorney. At J.Robert Surface, you can get all the advice, guidance and representation you need. Don’t delay in seeking assistance. Contact us today for your first consultation.

When Social Security payments are deducted from your paycheck each month, you may see it as an inconvenience. However, this investment actually protects you and your family when necessary. It is taken from your pay from your first job in Greenville, SC. You receive credits throughout your working life. You, your spouse and your children can benefit from varying Social Security benefits.

Let’s look at some of them.

Disability Benefits

You may not think you are at risk for becoming disabled. However, it can happen because of a car accident, illness, work-related injury or another situation. If you are no longer able to work, you will need to apply for disability insurance benefits. These cover serious medical conditions which leave you unable to work for at least a year. Conditions which are likely to result in death are also covered. Unfortunately, the process is not straightforward. You will need to provide lots of information to support your claim of total disability. You will benefit significantly from the services of a social security disability attorney in Greenville, SC.

Retirement Benefits

When you are older and no longer working, retirement benefits provide you with a source of income. Once you earned enough credits, you can receive full benefits at age 66 or 67. You can start receiving benefits at age 62 but the payout would be reduced. Waiting until the age of full retirement increases your benefits by around 8% per year until age 70. It is, therefore, best to delay retirement for as long as you can. Either way, you can be sure of getting an income when you are no longer interested in working.

Child Benefits

If you have minor children while you are receiving disability or retirement benefits, this ensures they are supported.  Benefits are paid to unmarried children who are

• Below the age of 18;
• From 18 to 19-years-old, but are in secondary or elementary school full-time
• Age 18 or over and severely disabled. The child’s disability must have been known before the age of 22. The benefits may continue for as long as the child is unable to work.

The amount of work you need to qualify for such benefits depends on your age when you stop working. Parents under 24 only need to work for one and a half years for their children to receive benefits. The amount of work necessary increases as you age but it is never more than ten years.

Social Security also pays Supplemental Security Income to disabled children whose families have limited income and resources. They must be under 18. These payments are based on need and not the amount of time the parent worked. The parent may have died, retired, or become disabled.

Spousal Benefits

If you receive retirement or disability benefits, your spouse may get benefits if they are at least 62-years-old. This applies even if they were never covered under Social Security. Divorced people may also be able to get benefits on their ex-spouses record depending on the circumstances. Your spouse of any age can also receive benefits if they care for your child who is also receiving benefits.

If an individual is eligible for their own retirement benefits and spousal benefits, their individual benefits will be paid first. If the spousal benefits are higher, the individual will get a combination of benefits equal to the higher sum. There are many other factors involved in calculating spousal benefits. Couples who need guidance should contact one of the disability lawyers in Greenville, SC.

Survivor Benefits

You may not want to think about the day you die. However, social security can provide much-needed benefits for your survivors. Widows and widowers, children, and dependent parent can all be eligible. Survivor benefits ease the financial burden on them. These benefits may be more significant than your life insurance payout.

Widows and widowers can receive reduced benefits at age 60 or full benefits at full retirement or older. They can switch to their own benefit at age 62 if they qualify. Widowed individuals can also get benefits from age 50 if they’re disabled. However, their disability must have begun before or within seven years of their spouse’s death. Widows and widowers can also receive benefits at any age if they care for the deceased’s disabled child.

Why You Need a Social Security Disability Attorney in Greenville, SC

There are certain criteria which must be met in order to get benefits. Some cases are easy but others are a bit more complicated. While the paperwork is usually difficult to fill out, it may be a challenge to prepare some of the supportive documents. Generally, applicants who have a lawyer generally find it easier to get through the application process. Sometimes claims are denied and the services of an attorney become invaluable in filing an appeal.

Contact One of The Best Disability Lawyers in Greenville, SC

Whether your case is one of retirement, disability or spousal benefits, we can help you. Contact J. Robert Surface for advice and assistance. Navigating the Social Security system can be difficult when you try to it alone. Schedule a consultation today and put your mind at rest.

Social Security numbers are like a gold mine for identity thieves and scammers. Many people who get Social Security benefits are already vulnerable because of age or disability. Criminals take advantage of this. They trick innocent people into giving away private information about themselves. They then use this information for their own gain. In 2017, 16.7 million people fell victim, an increase of one million victims over the previous year.

Some scammers call and say there has been a computer problem and they need to verify your Social Security numbers. Others collect information via websites set up to look like valid government sites. Some even go through victims’ trash or steal their mail. They then assume the victim’s identity. Whatever the method, identity theft is a major problem in South Carolina and the wider United States. It can take a long time for people to recognize they were compromised.

Scammers are smart, but you can do everything in your power to protect yourself. If you apply for Social Security benefits, there are some steps you need to take. No one should be able to make a living off your well-deserved disability benefits. If you have already fallen victim, don’t be ashamed. Just try to make sure it never happens again.

Advice from Disability Attorneys in Greenville, SC on How to Avoid Scams

With a little extra caution, you can reduce your chances of falling victim to a scam. You should:

• Never give callers your personal information. 

  • If someone calls you on the phone, don’t give them any sensitive information. This includes your bank account details, credit card number or Social Security number. You can’t be sure who is contacting you so it is best not to give out any information. If the person tries to pressure you or they threaten you, you can be sure it is not a legitimate call. Don’t give in to their threats.

•  Never trust someone just because they sound official or professional.

  • Scammers tend to use names and titles which sound official in order to get you to trust them. They may even use a falsified area code to make you think they are in a particular location. In reality, you could be talking to anyone anywhere in the world. Don’t assume people are who they say they are.

• Never give out personal information via email or text.

  • The SSA will never ask you to do this. If you get such a message, it is definitely a scam. If you do not recognize the sender’s name or email address, delete the message. You can take a screenshot and contact the SSA to ensure they are aware of the scam.

• Never let a representative payee handle your benefits without checking your statements.

  • Sometimes those you trust are the ones who betray you. If you are disabled, it is understandable that someone else may be taking care of your benefits. However, you should always check your monthly statements and store them in a safe place. You should keep all related documents in a safe place as well.

 To protect yourself, check with the Social Security Administration any time you are unsure. The SSA has issued several warnings about scams. You should contact them directly if you received a suspicious call. Ask them to verify if they had reason to contact you. They should also be able to identify the name of the person who reached out to you. They can let you speak to the person then or have them contact you later. This may seem like a lot of work but it is really better to be safe than sorry.

Contact A Social Security Disability Lawyer in Greenville, SC for Assistance

If you believe you have been a victim of identity theft or another scam, you need an attorney. This is especially the case if you believe you aren’t getting satisfaction from the Social Security Administration. When you are trying to manage a disability and life’s usual challenges, a matter like this can be overwhelming. Instead of trying to handle things on your own, contact J. Robert Surface in Greenville, SC. Schedule your consultation and we will get on your case. We will sort out all the varying elements and work to protect your benefits. Make that call today!