Social Security Retirement Benefits Application Process?

Social Security Retirement Benefits are available for those that qualify. Typically, retirees are eligible at age 65. Some beneficiaries will not be eligible until age 67. It depends on their birth date. This program was created after the Great Depression to provide some social system of security for the retired and their dependents.

Before Social Security Retirement Benefits, older people were dependent on their relatives to provide for their needs later in life. The way the system works is that deductions are taken out of every pay check. A certain percentage is deducted by the employer for Social Security and Medicare. People pay into this system until they retire.

The monthly benefit amount is based on the wages earned during the person's career. The maximum amount of SS Benefits is approximately $2,200 monthly. The program also provides benefits to the widow and minor children of the retired or deceased person.

The amount drawn by the widow and dependent children will depend on the amount the beneficiary draws from the system. Some people are forced to receive Social Security Retirement Benefits because of a disability.

The application process for disability benefits is long and tedious. The disabled person must submit an application through the internet, a trip to the office, or a phone call. Either of these methods are sufficient to start the application process. A representative will be assigned to the case, and this person will gather medical records of the person's disability. The disability must meet certain criteria mapped out by the SSA. The disability must be included on the master list of the SSA.

Additionally, the person earning power must be compromised to a point where they are not meeting the substantial gainful activity minimum limits. The amount changes each year. If the applicant earns more than this amount, the application will automatically be denied.

There are other tests that the SSA uses to determine if a person meets the criteria for Social Security Retirement Benefits for disability. Each test must be successfully completed before the application can move on to the final step.

Most applicants are denied their first application. The applicant has the ability to file an appeal and have a hearing before an administrative judge. This process can take from 2-3 years.