Recently posted on PBS Newshour Boston University economist Larry Kotikoff, a noted Social Security expert, discussed the different ways to apply for Social Security benefits, whether they be retirement, disability or survivor’s benefits. The post was not earth-shattering news as most people realize they have a few different options to apply for benefits, but it made us remember that although we here at Greeman Toomey Law Office deal with Social Security matters everyday, sometimes it is difficult to remember that most people are not aware of a lot of information about Social Security benefits.
That being said, Kotikoff’s piece on PBS Newshour is informative as it discusses whether you should apply for Social Security benefits online at www.ssa.gov, by phone or in person. Kotikoff advises that when possible, people should apply online, which we whole heartedly agree.
We are going to focus on applying for Social Security disability benefits because that is what we focus on at this law office. Applying online is the easiest and most efficient way to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. On the application a claimant can provide all the information necessary for Social Security to go about making a decision on the claim, but for a secondary disability program, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), applying online is not possible. The SSI program is a needs-based program for the elderly and the disabled with limited financial means. Social Security requires those who wish to apply for SSI to speak with a Social Security agent because Social Security has to obtain financial information to determine whether someone meets the technical requirements of the SSI program.
Even in 2016 there are many people without access to the Internet so they are unable to apply for benefits online. For these people we would recommend contacting your Local Social Security office directly by phone. A less attractive option would be to visit your local Social Security office to setup a time to apply in person, but don’t expect that Social Security will be able to take an application on your first visit because Social Security offices tend to be quite busy and it is not unusual to have to wait in line for some period of time.
