Social Security statements: they’re back and they’re important
They used to arrive in the mail about three months before each birthday. You would open the envelope from the Social Security Administration and see the amount you were on target to be paid after your retirement. About five years ago, the mailed Social Security statements stopped arriving at your Denver home.
Last month, however, the SSA started mailing out statements again. When you get yours in the mail, it’s wise to pay attention to it, a financial planner writing for Forbes states. It can help you understand your benefits in not only retirement, but also if you become disabled and apply for SSDI benefits.
The first thing to do, the planner writes, when you get your mailed statement (they come in either email form or snail mail form) is to confirm your earnings history. Make sure the income numbers Social Security has for you are accurate. After all, it’s not as if the SSA hasn’t made mistakes.
You also should check to see how much you need to save for retirement, the planner says.
But what about those who can no longer work because an injury or illness prevents them from holding a job? SSDI exists for them. But as the writer states, “Social Security disability is notoriously difficult to qualify for…”
For most, qualification is not as simple as filling out a form, checking all the proper boxes and mailing it in. For many, their initial SSDI is rejected, forcing them to file an appeal.
Fortunately, legal assistance in the difficult, crucial appeals process is available. An experienced SSDI attorney can help you gather and prepare documentation to back your claim, can help you prepare for your hearing before an administrative law judge, and help prepare witnesses to testify on your behalf as well.
Source: Forbes, “Social Security Statements Are Back But Ignore Them At Your Peril,” Erik Carter, Oct. 10, 2014
