Useful Site: Social Security’s Hearing Process
Social Security has a great website that describes the hearing process including how to file an appeal, what happens at a hearing, and how to file a complaint if you feel you have been mistreated by an Administrative Law Judge.
Useful Sites: Cornell Social Security Library
The Cornell Legal Information Institute Social Security Library is a great top-level clearing house for information about the Social Security system, regulations, rulings and court decisions.
However, this is a professional level resource and does not ease you into the Social Security system. But if you want to find a particular law, regulation, or ruling, this is a great site to track it down.
If you are looking for a more friendly resource, try the Online Social Security Handbook.
Got disability insurance in addition to Social Security?
Do you think you do not need private disability insurance? See financial planner Paul Ferraresi’s take on this:
You have an eight times greater chance of becoming disabled than dying before age 65, yet, you purchase privately a life insurance policy but not disability insurance. Disability is known as “living death”. Income drops and you cannot function fully. Remember, disability does not mean a wheel chair! Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the largest causes of disability.
Read the rest of Paul’s post here.
How much can I get per month on SSI?
Updated: 01/01/12.
Supplemental Security Income, SSI for short, pays up to the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR).
For 2012, for the first time in 3 years, the Federal Benefit rate is increasing to $698 and $1,048 for couples. For most people, this means the maximum SSI benefits you can get in 2011 is $698 per month.
in 2011, the FBR was $674 per month.
In 2010, the FBR was $674 per month
In 2009, the FBR was $674 per month.
In 2008, the FBR was $637 per month.
In 2007, the FBR was $623 per month.
The current FBR rate is listed …
Great Sites: Online Social Security Handbook
If you are looking for a clear, simple, and understandable explanation of the ins and outs of the Social Security system, the go-to guide is the Online Social Security Handbook.
This online resource boils down the regulations into plain English and keeps the legalese to a minimum.
Here are some sample topics:
What are the categories of eligibility under SSI (Supplemental Security Income)?
How is disability defined for disabled widow(er)s?
Are Social Security benefits subject to taxes?
When is a …
Where can I find Social Security forms?
Are you looking for a specific Social Security form? Social Security has a page where you can find it.
You can search for a form or browse by category:
Prepare for Your Interview
Benefits Claims Supporting Forms
Medicare Prescription Drug Help Forms
Other Forms
Forms for Other Agencies
Forms You Can Complete and Submit Online
Listed below are the most frequently used appeal forms:
SSA-61 Request for Review By a Federal Reviewing Official
SSA-561-U2 Request for Reconsideration
HA-501-U5 Request for Hearing by Administrative Law Judge…
Useful Site: Social Security Benefit Calculator
How much will you get from Social Security?
You can check your annual Social Security statement (mailed annually before your birthday) for a rough idea.
Or you can use Social Security’s on-line benefit calculator.
