The attorneys at Powell, Zero, Mundy have represented the disabled in Social Security Disability cases since President Eisenhower made disability insurance available in 1956. At Powell, Zero, Mundy, we effectively assist clients throughout the entire Social Security Disability claims process.
An individual will receive his or her full benefit amount if they wait until they reach full retirement age to begin receiving benefits. They will also receive the full amount if caring for a child entitled to receive benefits on a spouse’s record and such child is younger than age 16 or disabled.
Additionally, individuals who have not worked or do not have sufficient Social Security credits to qualify for their own Social Security benefits may be able to receive spouse’s benefits if they are:
- At least 62 years of age; or
- Any age and caring for a child entitled to receive benefits on a spouse’s record who is younger than age 16 or disabled.
An individual may receive a spouse’s benefit that amounts to one-half of the amount that a spouse is entitled to receive at their full retirement age. Of course, if choosing to commence the receipt of a spouse’s benefits before reaching full retirement age, any benefit amount will be permanently reduced.
Social Security will always pay an individual’s own benefits first. If the benefits received through a spouse are higher than his or her own retirement benefits, this person will receive a combination of benefits that equals the higher spousal benefits. For example, if Al qualifies for a retirement benefit of $550 and his spouse’s benefit totals $700. At his full retirement age, Al will receive his own $550 retirement benefit, as well as $150 from his spouse’s benefits, for a total of $700.
Other options exist to increase the benefit amounts such as claiming changes, deemed filing, and voluntary suspense. Hiring an experienced disability attorney can help ensure that a claimant always receives the maximum amount of benefits.