Social security forms a huge part of most Americans’ retirement plans. However, few of them truly appreciate the impact their actions have on their social security benefits or the possible claiming options available to them. Working with a Jacksonville social security attorney is a good place to start but first, the numbers…
Read on to learn more about social security benefits in Florida. Check out this site here to read more about working with a Jacksonville social security lawyer on filing for social security disability benefits.
The Numbers
According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), Florida citizens aged 65 and older stood at over 3.5 million in 2013, out of a total of 19.3 million.
Social security provides monthly benefits to not only the retiree but also to their families in the event of retirement, death or disability. In 2012 alone, over 56 million American citizens received social security benefits, over 4 million of whom were Florida residents.
As a percentage of the population, 25 percent of Florida residents received social security benefits in 2012. Additionally, 70 percent of the beneficiaries were retirees while 30 percent of them included:
- Widows/ widowers
- Children
- Spouses
- Disabled persons (both mental health disabilities and physical impairments and disabilities)
As a percentage of adults aged 65 and older, 84 percent of Florida residents receive social security.
On average, Florida retirees receive $1,240 monthly in social security or $14,882 yearly. For one in three elderly Floridians, this is their only source of income.
Learn more interesting statistics on social security disability in Florida here.
The Questions
Here are just a few frequently asked questions Jacksonville social security attorneys receive:
- Are attorneys necessary before filing to receive social security claims?
Answer: No. To initiate your claim, simply apply in-person to a social security office, call the hotline, or fill out an online application.
Social security attorneys Jacksonville can, however, help you understand the entire process as well as your legal rights. They will take you through all your records, reports and work to ensure you receive all payments entitled to you.
- Can persons injured from a motor accident file for social security?
Answer: Yes. If the injuries sustained will disable you for one year or more, file a claim for social security benefits.
- Can individuals injured in the course of employment file for social security?
Answer: Yes, even if they were already receiving workers’ compensation benefits), they are still eligible to receive social security. The benefits, however, will be smaller than if they were not receiving workers’ compensation benefits.
- When should you file for social security?
Answer: You can file for social security claims if you have been injured and expect to be disabled for a year or more. You do not have to be permanently disabled to qualify for the social security benefits.
- Are benefit amounts dependent on the number of years worked and year of retirement?
Answer: Yes. Even though you may choose to retire at any age, Social Security Administration (SSA) maintains its definition of full retirement age. Currently, this stands at between 66 and 67 years, depending on your year of birth.
If you take social security before this age, your benefits are reduced. If you increase you delay filing to beyond the age, your benefit amount increases.
Additionally, if you didn’t work for a certain number of years because you went back to school or because of medical issues, your benefit amount will be less.
- Are there alternative filing options for the retiree and his/her family?
Answer: Yes. Married couples, same-sex couples, divorcees, widows, widowers, and children aged below 18 have a variety of optional benefits.
For example, a divorced spouse can claim a spousal benefit from their ex-husband or ex-wife. A dependent child is eligible for family survivor benefits on the deceased parent’s social security.
Explore additional options to help you maximize your benefits, including married couple coordinated strategies.
- Does earlier planning lead to better planning?
Answer: Yes. Evaluate your options early enough, make decisions on the basis of fact. It’s far better to start planning sooner rather than later.
Be Secure By Working with a Jacksonville Social Security Attorney
It is important to have all your social security concerns handled expeditiously.
Visit here to get started with a Jacksonville social security attorney and to help you go over the specifics of your plan, your records, your filing status in case of injury or early retirement, and your legal rights to receiving full benefits.
What constitutes a personal injury?
The most common personal injury is an auto accident, but the broad definition encompasses any situation where a person suffers harm due to the negligence of another person or entity. Early identification of a personal injury is important to the legal process. Many serious injuries occur each year involving:
– Auto accidents
– Premises liability accidents such as injuries caused by a slip and fall
– Medical malpractice/nursing home injuries
– Wrongful death
– Work-related accidents
– Animal attacks
– Faulty or malfunctioning products (product liability)