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3 SOCIAL SECURITY MISTAKES THAN CAN COST YOU THOUSAND$ OF DOLLAR$

Here are 3 Social Security mistakes that can cost you thousands of dollars, and they may continue to cost you money as long as you live.

1.  Filing for Early Retirement Instead of Filing for Disability.

Perhaps you are forced to stop working because of medical conditions.  You are 62, so you can take early retirement with Social Security.  The problem is, at age 62 your retirement benefit will be reduced by about 30 percent and this reduction will follow you for as long as you live.  It does not increase when you reach full retirement age because it is "locked in" at the reduced amount.  A better alternative would be to file for Social Security disability which will give you a much higher benefit, now and later.  Of course, the disability benefit is harder to get because it isn't automatic.  So, why not apply for the early retirement if you need the money now and also apply for disability.  Yes, you can apply for both. Your early retirement check will start right away at the reduced amount.  When the disability claim is approved, your benefit will increase to the higher benefit amount.  So, with disability you get more money now and more money later. It's win/win.

2.  Filing a Claim Before You Know How the System Works. 

Social Security is such a complicated maze of facts, rules, regulations, limitations and requirements.  It's impossible for the average person to understand it all.  The good news is that you can get answers to most of your questions free.  A good attorney or disability advocate in your area will answer your questions at no cost and clarify what's confusing you.  A little advice before you file can save you a lot of money and heartache.

3.  Depending on Social Security to Look Out for Your Interests.

While there may be some incompetent employees at Social Security, most of them are dedicated, honest and knowledgeable people.  However, they are overworked and understaffed:  too few people trying to do too much with decreasing budgets and resources.  And it's not their job to advise you about winning a disability claim or appeal.  When you file a claim, Social Security is not going to advise you on how to win it or how to get maximum benefits.  They may tell you what the rules are, and you may or may not understand them, but using those rules to win your case is not their concern.  That's why you need an experienced Social Security disability attorney or an experienced non-attorney advocate who really knows the disability rules and process.

Most individuals who are applying for disability benefits are not in a position to shell out money for legal fees.  And you won't have to.  The government has made it easy for you to get top legal representation with absolutely no money upfront.  You can get a contingency fee that let's you pay your attorney/advocate after you receive your lump sum back-pay settlement.  You get your money first, then Social Security pays the attorney fee out of your cash settlement.  If you don't win a lump sum cash settlement (back-pay), no attorney fee is due.  This arrangement will NOT reduce your monthly Social Security check now or in future.  You keep 100 percent of your monthly check, always.

Don't make serious mistakes that give you less money than you qualify for, or worse, gets your claim denied and leaves you with no benefits at all.

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