The Social Security Earning Statement - What You Need to Know
Every year, approximately three months before your birthday, the Social Security Administration will send workers over the age of 25 a Social Security Statement. This Earning Statement, as it is often referred to, is an easy-to-read, personal record of the earnings on which you have paid Social Security taxes during your working years. This form also gives you an estimate of benefit payments that you and your family may qualify for now and in the future. Unfortunately, most Americans pay little attention to this green and white piece of paper, often times discarding it. If you are interested in applying for Social Security Disability benefits, this statement can help determine whether you qualify for benefits. If you did throw your statement away, don't worry! We tell you how to get a new Statement later in this article.
Many wonder if they are eligible to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. A good rule of thumb to determine eligibility is this: if you have worked and paid Social Security taxes for five out of the last ten years, you are more than likely eligible for benefits. However, it is possible that although you worked for the past five years, you did not earn enough credits to qualify. That is why the Social Security Earning Statement is so important. Within this statement, Social Security specifically indicated whether or not you have earned enough credits to qualify. If you have earned enough credits to qualify for disability, Social Security will indicate what your monthly benefit rate will be if you are found to be disabled. If you have not earned enough credits to qualify, Social Security will tell you exactly how many credits you are short.
Surely, your most recent Social Security Earning Statement is the best indicator of whether you have earned enough credits to qualify for disability benefits. It is also possible that your earnings were reported incorrectly. If you believe your statement is incorrect, immediately contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). If possible, have your W-2 or tax return for those years available. If you do not have a current Earnings Statement, you can request one by completing an online request for Social Security Statement at www.ssa.org and complete Form SSA-7004. You can also request the form by calling the number above or by filing your request at your local Social Security Office.
If you are interested in applying for Social Security Disability benefits or have questions in regard to your eligibility, please contact our office at 215.587.8400.
