Who is Eligible for Social Security Benefits?

Recent statistics indicate that the retirement population in San Antonio appears to be on the rise. Social Security was designed as a need-based program for those who require care and may not receive health insurance from employers after retirement. Approximately 1 in 5 Americans will collect some form of Social Security in their lifetime. Senior citizens and their families deserve to feel secure and comfortable.

An important topic for all claimants is to know who qualifies for Social Security disability benefits. When you turn 62 years old, you are able to officially apply for Social Security benefits in the United States. Most people wait further into their 60’s or 70’s to sign up in order to maximize their ability to use Social Security when they do finally need it. Especially if you are still healthy, and definitely if you are still working, you always have the option to wait to apply.

Social Security coverage also often extends beyond those approaching retirement. For every person who registers, there are a few potential benefactors of these benefits beyond just the senior citizen. Some of the most common include:

• Spouse benefits
• Children benefits
• Veterans benefits
• Survivor benefits
• Disability benefits

It is estimated that approximately 20% of all Social Security beneficiaries receive some form of disability compensation. Disability benefits can help ensure financial security for those who require extended care and treatment for their predicament, even as the costs associated with living in San Antonio continues to rise. Disability benefit eligibility is based in large part upon the presence of three major factors:

• You are unable to complete the same tasks in the workplace as you were before your disability.
• You are unable to adjust to work with your disability after the fact.
• It becomes clear that your ailment will last at least a year, or ultimately result in fatality.

In 1956, retirement benefits were officially added to the already existing Social Security Act. This legislation includes benefits for retired Americans. Your wages and how you’ve earned them throughout the course of your working life in San Antonio can affect the amount of retirement benefits you can collect.

The truth is that there are countless nuances and exceptions to the notion of Social Security retirement benefits, so always remaining vigilant about your own individual situation will help increase your chances to receive full compensation.

After you have determined that any of the above circumstances apply to your situation and establish your need for Social Security, you can apply at any time. To determine the legitimacy of your Social Security claim, you should gather the following information:

• Social Security number
• Proof of U.S. citizenship
• W-2 or other form of tax return proof
• Proof of financial institution
• Proof of military discharge
• Spouse’s SSN and information (if applying for spouse’s benefits)
• Children’s SSN and information (if applying for children’s benefits)

It can be a confusing process, filled with confounding jargon and distinctions that can further convolute an already complicated situation. Fortunately, our team of experienced attorneys is willing to offer all potential clients a free consultation, free of charge, to help answer all your questions.

Before you contact a San Antonio disability lawyer or seek further information on your Social Security status from an attorney, it is always recommended that you first assess your own predicament. When attempting to seek Social Security benefits, there are a few questions you should ask yourself first. They are:

1. Are you currently in the labor force?
   1. If the answer to this question is ‘yes’, you will want to learn your Social Security status, but you also may want to delay applying for full Social Security coverage until you need the treatment and thus maximize your access to its benefits.
2. Is your condition serious and impossible to ignore?
3. Is your condition on the Social Security Administration’s list of ‘disabling conditions’?

If you are experiencing any complications or unforeseen obstacles during the process of filing for Social Security benefits, you may find that a knowledgeable legal voice can make all the difference. At Carabin Shaw, our lawyers have over 20 years of experience handling all forms of personal injury claims, including disability. For all inquiries regarding who is eligible for Social Security benefits, contact the San Antonio disability claims attorneys from Carabin Shaw today.

We believe that every person deserves a right to live fully and freely, even as they advance into retirement or require special medical attention. Our lawyers are ready and willing to handle all your Social Security disability, retirement, and all other coverage questions. Call a Carabin Shaw attorney today at our San Antonio offices at 210.222.2288.