Nearly all Americans (96 percent) are eligible to collect social security benefits at some point. Any United States citizen who earns an income is required to social security taxes, and doing so earns taxpayers credits towards the social security benefits they can collect upon retirement. Most people who retire, and apply to start collecting their social security benefits, are between the ages of 62 and 70.
In addition to the benefits for retirees, Social Security also provides benefits to people with disabilities. The application process is fairly simple, and Americans can now apply for social security benefits online. However, only around 35 percent of applications for SSD or SSI (the two types social security disability benefits) are approved. Of those who appeal, 85 percent are denied on the first appeal. There are social security attorneys, social security disability lawyers and also veterans lawyers who can help.
In Florida, the average monthly social security benefit for retirees is approximately 1,152 dollars, for a total of 13,824 dollars per year. Nearly 300,000 of the residents of Florida are currently living at or below the poverty level. Elderly people require hospitalization three times more often than younger people, and the average out of pocket medical costs are about 4,600 dollars per year. Oftentimes, social security attorneys are called upon to help with the claims process.