Am I Eligible For Benefits?
Whether or not you qualify for Social Security benefits and the amount depends upon your date of birth, the type of benefit for which your applying and, most importantly, your past earnings. To obtain a detailed personal estimate of your Social Security benefits, contact your Social Security office.

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What If I don't Qualify?
If you have not worked long enough to be eligible for Social Security Benefits you may qualify for Supplemental Security Income, of SSI. TO be eligible for SSI you must 1) have an income level at or beneath that identified for eligibility: 2) be living in the U.S. legally and be a U.S.>citizen; and 3) be 65 years of age or older or blind or disabled. Children may also be eligible for SSI if their income and assets are below the limit required ad they are disabled.

SSI also has a program to assist individuals in returning to work. Contact your local Social Security office for more information on SSI.

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How Do I Get Benefits?
You will not receive benefits automatically. If you believe that you are eligible, file an application at your nearest Social Security office. Some claims have time limitations so you should act quickly. You should contact the office when:

• Someone in your family dies.

• You are unable to work because of injury or illness expected to last a year or more.

• You are 62 or older and plan to retire.

• You are within three months of age 65, even if you don't plan to retire.

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What If I Am Turned Down?
If you filed a claim and believe that the decision was not correct, you may have the decision reconsidered. If you are turned down again, you may request a hearing before and administrative law judge of the Bureau of Hearings and Appeals. At this point you should contact an attorney. At a hearing before an administrative law judge, it may be necessary to present complicated medical evidence. It is also important that the first hearing be properly handled in the event that a later appeal to a federal court is necessary. An attorney familiar with Social Security law will be able to assist you in making sure your case is presented and handled to your best benefit.

If the administrative law judge's decision is unsatisfactory, you may request a review by the Appeals Council. If you are still not satisfied, you may take your case to federal court.

The Social Security office can explain how you should appeal and will assist you in having your claim reconsidered or in requesting a hearing. There is no charge for any of the appeals before the Social Security Administration.

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How Can I find The Nearest Social Security Office?
Information concerning Social Security is available 24 hours a day toll free by calling 1-800-318-LAW1 between 7a.m.and 7 p.m. on business days.

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