
Applying in Person Versus Online for SSDI Benefits
For seniors and those with disabilities, Social Security benefits are a vital part to their lives, thanks to the United States government. Nearly 67 million Americans receive a Social Security benefit this year, totaling $1.4 trillion in benefits paid during the year.
As soon as a person becomes disabled, they should apply for benefits to receive financial help during any life changing injuries or conditions. Often its best to hire an attorney to guide you through the complicated process.
Currently the waiting period is from about 3 to 6 months for applications to be processed and validated, so it’s imperative to apply sooner rather than later. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is offered for the first full month after the date that a person files their claim, or if it is later than that, the date a person becomes eligible to receive SSI.
Now that you are ready to apply for these benefits, decide whether you will do this online or in person. For some this choice can be overwhelming. You can apply in a series of remote ways, such as through application forms, the telephone, or online, but which is best? Are they safe? Or should you just go to the Social Security Administration (SSA) office to apply in person?
Naturally, there are pros and cons to any of these options. Regardless of whether it is applied for online or in-person, you can trust the information is secure and confidential. It really comes down to the preference of the applicant and what they’re most comfortable with.
Apply Online for Social Security Benefits
Operated by the United States federal government, the program is a tried, tested, crucially successful and bulletproof system that protects the applicants’ personal and financial details. The information is secure and confidential. Online is as safe as handing over a form to an officer in person. It depends on the personal protections an applicant’s computer has in place to protect person data such as antiviruses to detect trojan viruses and hackers. However, on the government’s end, the odds of them being hacked is incredibly unlikely.
The biggest advantage to applying online is that you get to do so from the comfort of your own home, so you can start your claim immediately.
Of course help can always be found online through various publications such as “The Disability Starter Kit” which prepares a claimant for their disability interview or online application, with advice being catered to adults and children under the age of 18. The kit offers information about specific documents and required information needed to apply for the program such as: date of birth, social security number, marital details, children, banking institution, citizenship status and previous benefits applications along with work history.
Another benefit for completing the application online is that it’s available 24/7 so you can take a break from it, or go gather the needed documents, etc. when its opportune for you. Uploading required documentation is easy and another plus of doing this is that your paperwork won’t get lost because you have submitted it through the system.
The majority of people trust that applying for Social Security Benefits online is secure, straightforward and convenient, so they choose this option the most.
Apply In Person for Social Security Benefits
Traditionally before the internet the Social Security process obviously had to be done in person only. There are still elderly and those that prefer to apply in person to be able to interact with a government official.
You must schedule an appointment by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. local time, or contacting your local Social Security office.
People prefer to go into their local office to apply for benefits if they have a lot of questions, need to make complicated changes to their account, feel frustrated with computers, or are having issues submitting their paperwork online for some reason.
In some cities the local SSA office might not be in close proximity, and therefore physically having to drive there can be a major drawback. Other disadvantages could be that although you made an appointment, you still have to wait your turn once you get to the SSA office, and during busy times of the year this could take hours.
Generally, people that choose to apply in person feel they receive a better understanding of what is happening with their application. They also value the more personalized attention of being face to face with a representative.
Contact Lowery Law Group at info@lowerylegal.com or call (843) 991-0733. There is no fee for a free consultation regarding your claim. Lowery Law Group is experienced in handling cases in South Carolina as well as Georgia.