Legal Specs

Questioned to be Ask to your Retirement Benefits Lawyer

03 Jul 2008

Retirement, other than death, is one of the most feared aspects in the life of an individual. Nevertheless, for others, it is one of the most awaited moments of ones life. It is the time for you to enjoy and explore other things. Yet, before planning what to do after retirement, we should focus first on processing our retirement plan.

When should I retire?

According to the Social Security Administration, you should apply for your retirement benefits three months before you want your benefits to begin.

The age of compulsory retirement may differ from different state but the Social Security Law provides that the full retirement age is 65 years old. If you want to enjoy your retirement benefits earlier, then you may avail the early retirement plan.

What are the requirements for retirement benefits application?

For an easy and immediate processing of your application for retirement, you need the following document:

• Your Social Security number
• Your birth certificate
• Your W-2 form or your self employment tax return for the last year
• Your military discharge paper if you had military service
• Your spouse's birth certificate or Social Security number if he or she is applying for benefits
• Children' birth certificate and Social Security number if you are applying for children's benefits
• Proof of US citizenship or alien status if you were not born in the united states, and
• The name of your bank and your account number so your benefits can be deposited directly to your account

Where can I file my retirement plan?

You can apply for retirement online or you can call the Social Security Administration and schedule an appointment.

Who are covered by the family benefits?

The Social Security retirement benefits extend to the family members of the retiree. It includes:

• Spouses who are 62 years old or older
• Spouses who are younger than 62, if they are taking care of a child under 16 or is disabled
• Former spouses if they are aged 62 or older
• Children aged 18-19, if they are full time students and have not yet graduated from high school
• Disabled children, even if they are aged 18 or older
• Adopted children

It is important to note that spouses, even if they are not working nor they have lower incomes than the retiring spouse, they are entitled to one half of the retirees full benefits. A divorced spouse is also entitled to one half of the benefit provided the marriage lasted for at least ten years.

Children's benefits also extend to adopted children. The law also provides that children's benefits cover only those who are unmarried. However, under some circumstances the benefits extend to disabled children who marry an equally disabled child.

Therefore, if you have finally decided and have filed your retirement plan, your obligation does end there. Under the Social Security Law, you are also obliged to report to the Social Security Office any change in your life's circumstances like if:

• You get married or divorced
• You changed your residential address
• You changed your name
• You changed your deposit account
• You adopted a child
• You changed of status and many other

If you need dependable representation for your retirement benefits application, consult our expert