| Retirement benefit is the first thing that comes to | | | | definitely decrease the amount of his benefits. On |
| mind when we talk of social security. The | | | | the other hand, he may also decide to delay |
| retirement program of the Social Security | | | | retirement until he reaches the age of 70 in order |
| Administration covers approximately 96% of the | | | | to increase the said amount. |
| entire workforce in the United States. This entitles | | | | How to apply for retirement benefits |
| them to support from the government when | | | | There are three possible ways to apply for |
| they retire from their jobs. | | | | retirement benefits - online ( through phone |
| How to qualify for retirement benefits | | | | (1-800-772-1213) or filing an application form to |
| Primarily, an individual must have worked and paid | | | | the nearest SSA office in person. |
| his social security contributions to earn the credits | | | | These are some of the documents needed: |
| needed to qualify for retirement benefits. If a | | | | - Social Security number or ID |
| person stopped from work before reaching the | | | | - Original copy of birth certificate |
| required number of work credits, he will not be | | | | - Tax returns |
| able to get his retirement benefits from the SSA. | | | | - Military discharge documents (for military |
| However, the credits will be kept in the SSA's | | | | personnel) |
| records so that you may still augment it if you | | | | - Proof of citizenship (for those who were not |
| have decided to continue working. This will give | | | | born in the U.S.) |
| you a chance to be entitled to retirement | | | | - Bank account number where the benefits would |
| benefits. | | | | be directly deposited |
| How to calculate the amount of retirement | | | | Note: The SSA, depending on the situation of the |
| benefits | | | | claimant, may require other documents |
| Usually, retirement benefits are calculated based | | | | How to increase the chance of being approved |
| on the claimant's amount of earnings during his | | | | It is true that a large percentage of retirement |
| entire working career. This means that the higher | | | | claims are being rejected. Thus, it is advisable to |
| the income a person had, the bigger retirement | | | | hire an experienced Social Security attorney for |
| benefits he can get from the government. | | | | proper representation. A credible attorney can |
| Moreover, the age of retirement is also an | | | | ease the claimant's burden in preparing the |
| important factor in determining the amount that a | | | | requirements and following up on his application. In |
| retiree may receive. The "full age of retirement," | | | | addition, a competent representative has the |
| as set by the government, is at 67. However, a | | | | capability to address the problems that may result |
| worker may opt to retire earlier, but doing this will | | | | in the process of filing. |