How are my Social Security benefit amounts calculated?
Do you often question just how your Social Security benefits are calculated? You’re not alone! I’m sure most people assume they just pick numbers out of a hat – and I’m convinced that my idea is not too far off!
The Social Security Administration tells that the calculations to determine how much you are entitled to are, and I quote, “complicated.” And we trust these people with our money…why? They tell that the amount of your benefits are determined by an elaborate formula based entirely on the raw mean (average) of the yearly earnings that you reported from the time you began working.
Just incase this is not difficult enough to understand, the SSA tells that they calculate your average earnings on a different scale based on your age. If you turn 62, or should you become disabled on or before 12/31/1978 then the Social Security Administration averages the dollar value of your previous earnings and then bases the value of the monthly benefits that you are awarded, on this amount.
Now, should you reach age 62 or become disabled on or any time after 1/1/1979, then the SSA divides your earnings up into two specific categories. These categories are determined by the year you earned your wages that you are looking to claim on. The first category includes all wages that you earned before 1951. These wages are credited with the true dollar value up to a certain amount per year. The second category includes all wages earned from the year 1951 on. These years have annual limits placed on earning credits – regardless of how much you have acquired during this time.
What is Disability?
Disability is not a pleasant experience at all. And as if the problems weren’t enough already, even beginning to understanding how a disability claim works can be very difficult for the layperson. It doesn’t have to be that way.
The Social Security Administration has a strict set of rules to determine if a claimant meets the criteria of disability. To be entitled for Social Security disability benefits, you must establish through your lawyer or attorney, proof of your “disability,” as defined under the law. The Federal Social Security Disability Act requires that you are not able to engage in “substantial and gainful activity” due to reasons that have a medical or mental impact upon you. Do you qualify?
How does Social Security decide if I am disabled?
Trying to investigate what protocol the Social Security Administration uses to determine your disability? Don’t expect a straight forward answer from the SSA. They do make reference to their five step evaluation process to determine this, which we will discuss here.
The first thing you need to know about attempting to claim disability under Social Security, you should know that this is granted based on your inability to work because of any outstanding medical condition that is disabling you. To be considered disabled by the Social Security Administration you must be entirely unable do the work you previously did. It is at the digression of the SSA if you would have been able to adjust or not to your previous employment, or any other form of work because of your medical condition. Another factor when being considered is that your disability must either last, or is expected to last a year for you to qualify. This is also true if your medical condition is believed to be leading to your death.
You can not claim disability benefits unless you are fully disabled in the eyes of the SSA. This means that you are not partially disabled or you are disabled for a short period of time. As long as all of these qualifications are met….well then you need to meet even more qualifications. These are outlined in the document “Disability Benefits” (This is document number 05-10029 put out by the SSA.) The SSA strongly suggests that you read over this document to better understand their decision process.
Social Security Disability Lawyers
Let’s face it: It is only fair that qualified people should be able to receive the Social Security benefits they have earned. But getting what you deserve is not always easy in this day and age. Hiring a Social Security lawyer or attorney is often the only way to assure you get the highest possible benefits. Social Security lawyers can assist you in filing a benefits claim.
However, you should be clear about one thing: Social Security is not the same as welfare. One determining factor in whether social security benefits are paid to an individual or his family is whether that person has previously contributed something to the system. If your case is not 100% clear cut, or even if it is, an experienced lawyer can help you get the best deal.
Lawyers that specialize in social security disability claims are standing by to help you interpret your situation and inform you of your legal rights pertaining to social security denials and appeals. Generally speaking, social security disability lawyers and attorneys are very knowledgeable. They can help you ensure that you follow all the rules.
But are they honest?
In a word, yes. The vast majority of Social Security disability lawyers is very honest and ethical. They are highly experienced professionals who specialize in handling Social Security disability claims and appeals. They have a vast knowledge of the Social Security laws. So don’t worry, approach a Social Security lawyer so he can provide you with helpful legal assistance in filing a social security disability claim.
The Social Security Administration strictly governs what lawyers may charge you. Any fee you pay to a Social Security lawyer must be approved by the Social Security Administration.
So give it a try, contact a Social Security lawyer today!
