How To Get The Most Out Of Your Social Security Disability Benefits

February 20, 2013

For the millions of Americans who receive Social Security Disability benefits, the money they receive is supposed to be enough to cover basic living expenses. Yet, many of these individuals still struggle to make ends meet. PBS Newshour recently released an article that offered several tips for maximizing the amount of benefits a person receives from Social Security Disability funds.

The article explains just how important the timing of filing a claim for benefits can be. The law states that a person who is fully disabled can collect full disability benefits until they reach the age of 66 years old, at which point, they are converted to retirement benefits with no reduction in the amount of benefits. This essentially will allow a person to begin receiving benefits up to four years early.

If an individual who is hurt has been married for over a year and their spouse is collecting a retirement benefit or has applied for such benefits, but has suspended the payments, an injured individual can collect an extra spousal benefit between the ages of 62 and 66 years old; however, the payments may be reduced since the benefit is being taken before retirement age.

The Social Security Disability Lawyers at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin point out that the process for ensuring you receive the most amount of money possible when applying for Social Security Disability benefits can be complex and add it is just another reason having an attorney by your side through the process is so vital.