After working hard for decades, you deserve to let your body and mind rest and enjoy your retirement. However, without Social Security (SS) benefits, this can be a challenge. If you’re planning ahead and want to ensure you’ll be collecting income, use these answers to learn more about the legal process ahead.

What You Need to Know About Social Security Law

When can you start collecting SS retirement benefits?

Originally, the Social Security Administration (SSA) considered 65 to be the age at which most people had to stop working, so this was also the age at which they could receive their benefits. While this rule still applies to those born before 1937, it changes for individuals born later. For example, those born in 1938 must wait until they are 65 years and two months old. The limit gradually increases with each birth year, until it hits a flat 67 for those born in 1960 or later. 

Can you keep working?

You are allowed to continue working past your full retirement age and still keep your SS benefits. However, before you reach this age, the SSA takes money out of your benefits if you make over a certain amount of money per year through work. Also, in the year before you reach your full retirement age, you could lose one dollar in benefits for every three you make over a certain amount per month. This amount changes every year.

Can your dependents access your benefits in the event of your death? 

If you designate a child, spouse, or other dependent as a beneficiary, they might be entitled to your Social Security benefits after you pass. For example, if you were the primary earner in your household and you pass away before your claim was approved, your children or their caregiver could continue your claim to receive the benefits you were entitled to. However, if you pass away after the claim is approved, your dependents will likely receive a one-time payment of around $200.

What should you do if your claim is denied?

If your claim for Social Security benefits is denied, you can hire a lawyer who works in this practice area to help you appeal it. To qualify, you’ll need to fill out and file the appropriate paperwork within 60 days of the denial. Meanwhile, a Social Security lawyer will try to figure out why your claim was denied, such as inadequate medical history, and work to prove to the SSA that you deserve benefits. 

If you would like to learn more about how to collect benefits from Social Security, get in touch with Agee Clymer Mitchell & Portman in Columbus, OH. They have over 90 years of combined experience helping clients throughout central and southern Ohio, and they will be glad to help you understand, apply for, and appeal your SS claim. To learn more about their practice areas, including medical malpractice and workplace injury, visit their website, or call (614) 221-3318 today to schedule a consultation today.