Did you know that the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers online account tools that allow you to check your earned benefits?
This can be useful for people applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Keep in mind, there are tremendous differences between the two benefit programs. In order to collect SSDI, you must have earned work credits.
The SSA determines the amount of benefits paid based on your work history. On the other hand, for SSI benefits, you can qualify if you have a limited income and certain resources to meet the living arrangement requirements. If you have any additional questions about the differences between these programs, you can visit our SSDI versus SSI page.
To visit the SSA’s website and register an account, you can click here. At this site, you can track your earnings and verify them, track your future benefits or change your address and seek a replacement Medicare card.
The amount of money you can obtain through SSDI is based on your average lifetime earnings before your disability began. This should be documented. If you believe that your payments are too low, you can call the SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local field office where you can dispute your payment.
California Woman Underpaid By $56,000 to Receive Lump Sum Payment
We bring up this subject because ABC News recently reported about a Concord, Calif. woman who was not tracking her SSA benefits regularly. She found out that she was owed nearly $56,000 in payments dating back to 1995.
According to the network, the woman, 65, was injured in a forklift accident in 1995. Her husband died five years later and she collected Social Security benefits as a widow and for her disabilities. Earlier this year, she visited her local SSA field office to ask a question, but was shocked to find out that her payments were miscalculated over the past 15 years, and that the was supposed to be receiving an additional $460 per month.
She will now receive the amount due in a lump sum. “It’s going to make a big difference. I can go buy food. I can go to the movies. I can buy gasoline and vacation,” the woman said.
We Are Here to Help the Disabled Collect SSDI
As this case shows, it may be a good idea to pay attention to your earning information and benefits, even if you are not currently collecting them.
If you need help obtaining SSDI benefits, contact our Tulsa Social Security lawyers. Disability law is all we do.
Troutman & Troutman, P.C. – Tulsa Social Security Disability lawyers
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