Primary Insurance Amount in Social Security Disability Determinations

When you or your loved one suffer from a disability, getting the assistance you need can make a world of difference for you and your family.  To get the full measure of benefits, though, is not easy.  It takes not only proving your eligibility, but making sure your benefits are calculated correctly and paying out at the maximum rate allowed in your particular circumstances.  This means understanding complicated formulas and concepts, like the primary insurance amount.

If this sounds confusing, that is because it is.  The Social Security Administration does admirable work administering a variety of disability and retirement benefits, but it is a large, federal agency governed by extremely complex laws, regulations, and limitations.  If you are like most people, dealing with the bureaucracy of the SSA can seem daunting—even impossible.  But you do not have to face the SSA alone.

Dedicated lawyers like those of Lowe Scott Fisher Co., LPA represent many clients just like you who are applying for or appealing for disability benefits.  Having an experienced Social Security disability attorney representing you can expedite your claims, improve the quality and thoroughness of your benefits application, and protect your right to receive the full measure of benefits allowed by law.

Call or email now to contact an attorney and find out more about how your benefits amount may be calculated.  Or, to learn the basics of how the primary insurance amount can affect your Social Security disability, read on below.

What Is the Primary Insurance Amount?

When dealing with the SSA, the term “primary insurance amount” refers to the amount of benefits you would receive when you retire if you decided to retire at the normal retirement age.  The “normal retirement age” can vary, so even finding this information may require assistance.  For example, individuals born before 1938 have a normal” retirement age of 65, but those born in 1960 or later have a normal retirement age of 67.

Why Does the Primary Insurance Amount Matter?

The primary insurance amount serves as the basis for calculating Social Security disability benefits for those who retire early due to disability.

The primary insurance amount is reduced for those who retire prior to reaching their normal retirement age.  It is increased for those who retire after their normal retirement age.

Those who suffer an eligible disability that leave them permanently unable to work will rely on disability benefits that become retirement benefits at the normal retirement age.  However, though not by choice but necessity, they are retiring early compared to the normal retirement age.  This will lower the primary insurance amount for these individuals.

Is This the Whole Calculation?

No.  Remember: the primary insurance amount is merely a starting point.  The formula for calculating benefits from this starting point involves multiple additional steps, and is subject to change by law or regulation.

That is why it is so important to contact an experienced Social Security disability attorney to help you deal with the claim process.  This is assistance that you and your loved ones are counting on.  It is assistance that you deserve.  With the stakes so high, you need a lawyer you can trust.

Ohio Social Security Disability Lawyers are Available Now

For a free consultation regarding your disability claim, call or email Lowe Scott Fisher Co., LPA now.