When discussing a Social Security retirement topic, I often mention that retirement information and calculators based on your personal work record are in the Retirement Planner section of the Social Security website, www.socialsecurity.gov.
The potential for becoming disabled is probably a smaller topic of interest, but just over 1 in 4 of today’s 20 year-olds will become disabled before reaching age 67. I think acknowledging this possibility should be part of routine financial planning, especially if you have a dependent family.
You cannot estimate the amount of potential Social Security disability benefits online but can obtain an estimate on your Social Security Statement. That estimate assumes you become disabled now, a good starting point for your financial planning. Your Statement is available online once you register for your free, personal my Social Security account.
What if you became disabled now due to accident or illness? What do you need to know? How do you file for Social Security disability and how is an application processed?
Use the Disability Planner section of the website to learn basic information about Social Security disability. There you can file a complete disability application online, and if needed, appeal a decision that you disagree with.
Especially read the section about how you qualify for disability benefits. Linked from the Disability Planner, you can also watch a Social Security Disability Claims Process video series on YouTube. More questions? Contact Social Security directly.
