Social Security is the bedrock for many people; it provides retirement income, benefits for those that are disabled and more. Social Security was enacted under the watch of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1935. Two years later taxes were first collected and regular monthly benefits started in 1940.
Things have changed considerably over the years and they continue to change to keep up with the times. Retirement benefits continue to die and in many cases outlive the savings that the recipient has managed to accrue.
Supplemental security income and disability benefits are extremely important components of Social Security in Missouri. There are substantial differences between the two programs but they both address the needs of those suffering from a disability and unable to work.
* SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) offers benefits to those that have worked long enough to qualify and have paid FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions).
* SSI (Supplemental Security Income offers benefits based strictly on financial need and do not take employment or taxation into account.
Retirement benefits: Retirement benefits are a given if you have reached the minimum age that you can opt for retirement, currently the age is 62. For those that opt for retirement at 62, they can expect their monthly benefits to be less than those that do not claim benefits until the maximum age of 70.
Disability benefits: Disability benefits are not a given, as a matter of fact, the greatest majority of claimants are denied benefits. This is not the end of the line; those that are sure they qualify can engage the services of an attorney and appeal the decision.
There are a number of stages to the appeals process, it starts with a simple request to reconsider the initial decision and can go all the way to Federal Court. If there is substantiating medical evidence, the greatest majority of initial rulings are overturned once the case gets to the hearing stage. At this stage having an attorney that is skilled in dealing with Social Security in Missouri puts the claimant at a definite advantage.
Disability claims often involve attorneys that are intimate with the rules and regulations of Social Security in Missouri. If you are disabled and contemplating claiming benefits you are invited to contact the Grundy Disability Group, LLC or visit grundydisabilitygroup.com for more detail.
