The Things to Prepare for when Applying for SS Retirement Benefits


by Lala C. Ballatan - Date: 2007-10-10 - Word Count: 523 Share This!

As with any other thing we haveto accomplish in life, it is best to be properly prepared before filing yourapplication for retirement benefits under the Social Security system.

 

Here are some of the moreimportant things you need to consider as part of your preparation:

 

Once you go to the Social Security Office to file your application for retirement benefits, remember to be prepared since, more likely than not, you will undergo an application interview.

 

This simplyimplies that when you apply, you should prepare important documents such as yourbirth certificate and have it certified in order that the process of yourretirement application will run more smoothly.

 

In addition, ifyou apply with the indication that you are a naturalized citizen or a permanentresident of the country, you will have to provide a birth certificate that iscertified from the country where you were born.

 

1.1.If you do not know it yet, a"certified birth record" is a significant document that has anofficial stamp or a raised seal. Your birth record should come from thegovernment office that has authority over the birth records of your birthplace.

 

A knowledgeableand well-experienced social security retirement lawyer would advise you againstbringing or attaching a complimentary copy of your birth certificate. Thisdocument is usually given to your parents by the hospital where you wereborn. 

 

The Social SecurityAdministration (http://www.ssa.gov/) does nothonor these birth certificates issued by hospitals as they can be altered tooeasily.

 

1.2.Most importantly, do not fall intothe error of bringing just a copy of your certified birth certificate orrecord. The Social Security retirement claims representative, during theinterview, needs to see the actual certified copy of your birth record.

 

However, if forsome reason you fail to secure your certified birth record, the representativefor Social Security retirement claims who interviewed you would give a list ofevidence sources that you can produce as acceptable alternatives to your birthrecord. This will serve as the main evidence and establish your birth date.

 

1.3  Fornaturalized United States citizens, you will be required to bring with you thenaturalization papers for the application interview.

 

For legal alien residents, a proof of alien status should be brought.

 

Remember that without thenecessary documents to support your social security retirement benefits claim,your application would not be processed. These are essential documents that arestrong proof of your citizenship or legal status even as an alien for you to beawarded with Social Security benefits, not only of retirement.

 

After you are done with the SSA representative's interview, you will then be requested to produce other additional evidence. These you should supply within the period of 30 days starting from your application date. If you fail to furnish the other requirements, your claim might be denied.

 

If you encountertroubles in acquiring the needed information, call your claims representativeor have your social security retirement lawyer deal with it for you.

 

Generally, as early as possiblebefore your retirement, obtain a proof of your birth already. Furthermore, youhave to consult with a lawyer specializing in social security benefits programin order to know what to prepare before filing your applications.

Our social security retirementbenefits lawyer provides excellent representation and genuine advocacy toachieve your rightful retirement benefits. Please visit our website at http://www.mesrianilaw.com/Retirement-Benefit.htmlfor more information.

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Lala C. Ballatan a.k.a Kay Zetkin discovered the pleasure of writing through her daily journals way back when she was 10. With writing, she felt freedom - to express her viewpoints and assert it, to bring out all concerns -- imagined and observed, to bear witness. Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles

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