3 SOCIAL SECURITY MISTAKES THAT COST YOU $MONEY$

Social Security is complicated. Here are 3 mistakes that will cost you money. -$$$$

1. Claiming benefits before you know how they work. You must consider your age, past work history, retirement age, health and marital status. Did you know that people age 50 and over may be able to claim disability benefits under their spouse's earning record? Do you know that Social Security may pay additional benefits for a dependent? How does your past work history affect your ability to obtain disability benefits? Get answer to all your questions and understand how the programs work before you apply. Social Security operates many programs, not just retirement and disability.

2. Failure to apply for disability benefits instead of early retirement. You may apply for early retirement benefits at age 62. However, doing this reduces your benefit amount. A person who is at least 62, but not yet full retirement age, should consider applying for a disability benefit, which provides full benefits, not a reduced benefit. The difference may be several hundred dollars per month. Of course, you must meet the disability requirements.

3 Depending on the Social Security Administration (SSA) to help you understand your benefits. The SSA is unfortunately known for sometimes giving bad advice on when and how individuals should claim their benefits. The SSA also has no controls or rules to warn employees if someone would be better off delaying their benefits. filing for a different benefit or some other consideration. SSA employees are not trained as advocates and their job description does not permit them to help you get approved. They can help complete forms but they do not advocate for you (take your side and actively work to get you approved).

If you want an advocate fighting for you and working for approval of your claim, consider getting an experienced attorney or non-attorney advocate. Consultations are usually free and you won't be charged a fee unless your disability claim is a success.