Types Of Social Security Benefits

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): If you are unable to perform any full-time job for at least twelve months due to physical and/or mental impairments, and if you have limited resources/income, you may be entitled to SSI. Your age, education, past work history and medical treatment record are all factors to be considered in this type of claim.

• Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB): If you are unable to perform any full-time job for at least twelve months due to physical and/or mental impairments, and if you have worked five out of the last ten years, you may be eligible for DIB. Your age, education, past work history and medical treatment record are all factors to be considered.

• Retirement: If you have worked, paid money into Social Security, and are at least 62 years of age you may be entitled to Retirement Benefits. Your age and past work/income history are factors.

• Survivors: If a wage earner recently died, who was contributing to your support, or the support of your children, you may be entitled to Survivor’s Benefits.

Steps In The Claims Process

• Application: If you believe that you may be entitled to one of the benefits listed above, you should go to your local Social Security District Office to file an application, or call 1(800) 772-1213. You will be asked to complete several different forms, some of which we may be able to help you complete.

• Request for Reconsideration: When Social Security denies your application for benefits, you can file an appeal called a Request for Reconsideration. If you choose to file the Request for Reconsideration, you must do so within 60 days of the date you receive your first denial letter.

• Request for Hearing with an Administrative Law Judge: When your Request for Reconsideration is denied, you have 60 days to file an appeal called a Request for Hearing with an Administrative Law Judge. This is the first opportunity for you to actually meet face to face with a person who will be deciding your claim. This is usually the best opportunity to win a claim.

• Request for Review of the Judge’s Decision: If the Judge denies your claim, you have 60 days to file a Request for Review of that decision with the Appeals Council in Falls Church, VA. This appeal can take as long as 2 years.

• United States District Court: If the Appeals Council denies your Request for Review, you have only 60 days to file a lawsuit against Social Security in the United States District Court.