Baltimore Social Security Disability Lawyers: SSD and Retirement Benefits

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Social Security Disability (SSD)benefits are available to those who have suffered a medical condition that leaves them unable to work for at least one year, or until the person passes away. These benefits offer peace of mind and financial stability for people who are unable to earn a salary due to a disability. For many retirees, Social Security benefits are a significant factor in planning their financial future. However, questions as to how to coordinate between retirement benefits and SSD benefits may leave many confused.

If your SSD claim is approved, you will receive a monthly disability benefit based on your average lifetime earnings. After two years, you will qualify for Medicare, regardless of age. When you reach retirement age, your benefits will convert to retirement benefits, although you will continue to receive the same monthly amount. Currently, the retirement age is 66 for those born between 1943 and 1954.

Who Can Qualify for Benefits in Maryland?

The following family members may also qualify for benefits:

  • Your spouse if he or she is at least 62 years old
  • Your spouse, regardless of age, if he or she cares for your children who are younger than 16 or disabled.
  • Your unmarried child, stepchild, grandchild who is younger than 18, or younger than 19 if still in high school; or an adult child who was permanently disabled before the age of 22
  • A divorced spouse may qualify if you were married for a minimum of 10 years, is not married, and is 62 or older

For example, if a couple divorces after 32 years of marriage, and the ex-husband receives SSD benefits due to a stroke, the ex-wife may be able to collect a portion of those benefits by filing a restricted claim for spousal benefits when she turns 66. Individuals born after January 2, 1954 will not be able to choose which benefit to claim under the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015.

Another example is of a 64-year-old individual who receives $2,000 per month in disability payments. He or she would not be able to switch to spousal benefits upon turning 66. While they could suspend their Social Security benefit at the age of 66, they would not be eligible to collect benefits during the suspension period.

Finally, if a spouse is receiving SSD benefits, and he or she passes away, the other spouse will receive 100 percent of the deceased spouse’s benefits if the surviving spouse is at full retirement age.

Baltimore Social Security Disability Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Help Retirees Claim Their Benefits

 If you are of retirement age and have questions about your Social Security Disability benefits and what your spouse may be eligible to receive, contact the Baltimore Social Security Disability lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton as soon as possible. We will address all of your concerns and help you make sense of the claims process. Our dedicated team will ensure that you receive the benefits you deserve. To set up a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to assist those who have been denied Social Security benefits throughout Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Parkville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.