How to Apply for Social Security Benefits
After working for years, one of the employee benefits employees often rely on is Social Security. However, Social Security benefits are not always as easy to obtain as expected. To obtain benefits, you must first apply to the Social Security Administration (SSA) online, by phone, in person at anySocial Security office, or with the help of Chicago employee benefits lawyers. By seeking the aid of an attorney, you can help ensure you obtain the maximum benefits to which you are entitled. The types of Illinois Social Security benefits that are available include retirement, Medicare, supplemental income, and disability.
Applying for retirement benefits and Medicare
The earliest that you can apply for retirement benefits is age 62, but your full retirement age may be much later. For example, retirees born after 1959 reach full retirement age at 67. If you start receiving your benefits earlier than full retirement age, you receive a percentage of your monthly benefit.
If you are within 4 months of age 65, your retirement application also includes Medicare benefits. However, if you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or health insurance based on employment, applying for Medicare may affect your coverage and benefits. For help obtaining your Social Security and Medicare benefits as scheduled, seek guidance from employee benefits attorneys in Chicago.
Applying for disability benefits
To apply for Social Security disability benefits, you must have worked in employment covered by Social Security for a certain period of time before you become disabled and your disability must last or be expected to last for at least one year, or to result in death. Like Social Security retirement benefits and Medicare, you can apply for disability benefits online, by phone, in person, or with the help of a Social Security disability attorney in Illinois. Here is some of the information you will need to apply:
- Contact information for a medical professional who knows about your medical conditions
- Treatment information, including medical tests and contact information for doctors, hospitals, and clinics
- Types of jobs and dates you worked for your last five jobs
- Information about any insurance or workers' compensation claims you filed
Assistance with denied claims
If your claim is denied, it is not the end of the road. The SSA provides for an internal appeals process, and a disability attorney in Illinois can help you appeal the decision in court. If your claim is denied, you should act immediately to avoid losing any benefits to which you are entitled.
Contact us
At the law firm of Daley, DeBofsky & Bryant, our Chicago employee benefits lawyers and Illinois social security disability lawyers are committed to helping clients with their employee benefit and Social Security claims and appeals. For experienced representation from a law firm that cares, contact Daley, DeBofsky & Bryant or call 1-888-374-2591 today.
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