After Social Security Disability Approval When Do Payments Begin
According to the Social Security Administration, claimants who win Social Security disability approval get their first payment during the;sixth full month after the date their disability began. For example, if your disability started on June 1, you should get your first check in December six full months after the conditions onset.
Keep in mind that Social Security disability approval means that benefits are paid the following month. So, you wont receive your December disability benefits until the following January.
How Does The Ssdi Waiting Period Affect My Back Pay
There is a fivemonth waiting period for SSDI benefits, meaning even if you receive approval the month after you apply you will not be eligible to receive benefits until five months after the date your disability first occurred. If you have to file an appeal or qualify for retroactive benefits, this may not prevent you from receiving monthly benefits as soon as you gain approval. It will, however, reduce your retroactive or back pay by five months worth of payments.
For example, earlier we mentioned a situation where your debilitating injury occurred in March but you did not apply for benefits until December. In this case, your retroactive back pay would cover only September through December. The first five months of the period would count as your waiting period.
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Inside The Social Security Disability Claim Review Approval Process
Getting your SSD benefits claim approved by the SSA is a lengthy process full of questions: What goes on behind the scenes during the Social Security disability claims approval process? How many people handle one application? How does the agency investigate a persons work history and confirm his or her medical condition? These are common questions many who are thinking about applying for SSD benefits ask themselves and their attorneys. Most people dont have an inside look at the claims approval process and may not realize a lot of work goes into examining each application.
The SSA has revised its disability approval process numerous times to make it more efficient and user-friendly to ensure all eligible applicants receive their needed payments. Understanding the internal process can help applicants gain a better picture of the SSD application timeline. Here are the basics of the process:
1. Application Handed Over to the State Disability Agency and a Disability Examiner
According to Tim Moore, a former disability examiner for the SSA, the first step in the long claims approval process is to send your Social Security disability benefits application to a state disability agency, which is also called Disability Determination Services .
2. Examiner Contacts Medical Personnel and Past Employers
3. Specialist May Ask You to Complete Daily Living Questionnaire
4. Examiner Makes Initial Claim Determination
5. Application Goes to the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
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Time For Initial Application Decision
After you turn in your application for SSDI or SSI, a disability examiner will make an initial decision on whether you qualify for benefits. The amount of time it takes to get that decision can vary considerably. Still, nearly two-thirds of readers received a decision within six months after they filed their applications. Nearly four in ten got an answer within three months, while a similar number had to wait longer than six months. Government data says that the average time for the initial disability decision is three and a half months.
If Social Security initially denies your application based on medical eligibility for disability benefits , you can appeal that decision by requesting a hearing. Although youll have a greater chance of getting benefits after a disability hearing, youll have to wait longer for that opportunityoften much longer.
Dont Get Discouraged By An Initial Denial
Its easy to get discouraged if you receive an initial decision denying your SSD claim. Dont!
Statistics show that twice as many people win their SSD benefits at the appeal stage than win during the initial review. There are many reasons an SSD claim might be denied at first. When its first filed, your claim is judged by a Disability Examiner who works for your states Disability Determination Service.
While these examiners are sincere and well-intended, they are often overwhelmed with a large volume of work and can spend a limited time examining each case. At appeal hearings, about half of all cases are awarded benefits, reversing the initial examiners denial. The administrative law judge who hears your appeal can ask questions, listen to you describe your life with your disability, and hear your SSD lawyer emphasize important details.
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How Long Will It Take To Start Getting Disability Benefits After You Have Received An Award Notice
disability awardreceive your benefits sooner
Generally, they are able to quickly adjudicate your disability claim and you will receive your Social Security Disability or SSI benefits the month you are entitled to receive disability benefits.Most popular topics on SSDRC.com
Your Policys Elimination Period
Almost all disability insurance policies have an elimination period. This is the period between when you become ill or injured and when you can start receiving your long-term disability benefits. During the elimination period, you must remain continuously disabled to be entitled to benefits. In no event will you ever be entitled to benefits before the policys elimination period ends.
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How Long Does It Take To Get Disability Back Pay
For a lot of people who become too injured or ill to continue working, their Social Security Disability benefits cant be paid out too soon. However, before they can receive benefits, their claim must be investigated and approved. The Social Security Administration has a huge backlog of cases to consider. Three to six months is the average time it takes for the SSA to come to an initial decision on a claim. If the claim is rejected, it may take several more months or even years for the applicant to make their way through the appeals process.
If youve been waiting a seemingly endless time to receive your benefits, theres good news. Once your claim for SSDI or SSI benefits is approved, youll be qualified to receive back payment for the past due benefits that have accrued between the date of onset the date you became disabled and the date you were approved for benefits.
The date of onset can be up to 12 months before you filed your claim. In order to receive back pay for all 12 months, however, youll have to be found to be disabled 17 full months before your filing date thats because theres a five-month period after your EOD before you can receive benefits.
Will I Be Eligible For Medicare
Medicare eligibility begins after you have received 24 months of Social Security disability benefits. Note that to receive Part B of Medicare , you pay a premium that will be deducted from your Social Security disability monthly check.
Disabled people with relatively low income and assets may be eligible for other programs that pay for medical expenses not covered by Medicare and/or pay the Medicare premium for you. To find out if you are eligible for any such programs, you need to check with your county welfare department.
If you have health insurance coverage already, you need to figure out how Medicare works with your health insurance. Many health insurance policies state that Medicare is to provide the primary coverage with your present health insurance paying only for what Medicare doesnt cover. You need to check with your health insurance company when you get your Medicare card.
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Insight Into Long Term Disability Delays And How An Attorney Can Help
Not being able to earn an income can be scary. If you or a loved one are cannot work due to an injury or medical condition, you have likely filed, or will soon be filing, an application for long-term disability insurance benefits. It is essential to know that your employers disability insurance company has certain obligations when reviewing your long-term disability claim.
In addition to specific procedures that must be followed, the law that governs your long-term disability insurance claim may also place a specific time frame on when insurance companies must make a decision on long-term disability claims. However, depending on the type of policy you have, there may be situations that allow the insurance carrier to exceed the specified time frame. In some cases, there may not be a specific time frame.
Appealing Social Security Disability Decisions
If your application for benefits is still denied after youve submitted it for reconsideration, your next step is a formal hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. Youll need to gather additional evidence to support your claim, and it can take more than a year before youll get a chance to present your evidence before a judge. Again, having an attorney during this phase can be incredibly valuable and improve your chances at a favorable outcome.
While its frustrating that the process can take so long, its important to use the time you have productively to give yourself the best chance at having your claim approved. Every denial and additional appeal will add more time before you can start receiving your benefits.
If your appeal before the Administrative Law Judge is denied, you can make another appeal to the Social Security Administrations Appeals Council. This process can take another year or so, depending on factors like the complexity of your case and how many cases are pending before the Appeals Council. Its important to note that the Appeals Council has the right to refuse your application for an appeal, and in most cases, they end up affirming the decision of the Administrative Law Judge.
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What Is A Continuing Disability Review
The Social Security Administration is required periodically to review the cases of all people who are receiving disability benefits. Usually cases are reviewed every three years; but some cases are reviewed more often. Sometimes the decision will direct the Social Security Administration to conduct a review at a certain time. Often the Notice of Award will tell you when to expect a review.
Havent Received An Answer Back About Your Claim Yet Dont Worry
Getting SSDI benefits can be a real challenge. However, a qualified disability advocate or attorney charges $0 for legal assistance unless you win benefits. People who file claims through an attorney are 2x more likely to win benefits on their first try. In fact, those who apply with legal assistance through this website typically receive $10,000 in lump-sum backpay as well as monthly benefits.
Ready to see if you may qualify? Click the button below to start your free benefits evaluation now.
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How Long Do Ssdi Cases Take
When you suffer a disability in Arkansas, you may be eligible to receive benefits through either the Supplemental Security Income program or the Social Security Disability Insurance program . The majority of disabled individuals in Arkansas, however, rely on SSDI to help them supplement their income after a serious injury. This federal program is an entitlement program that pays individuals supplementary income after a disability as long as theyve paid into the Social Security System for at least 10 years.
Unfortunately, collecting your SSDI benefits isnt always easymany valid;SSDI claims are denied;initially. This forces disabled applicants to go through a;lengthy appeals process;before being able to collect the money they need after an injury. This process is a highly regulated and long process without the help of an;experienced Arkansas SSDI lawyer. Even with a lawyer on your side, the length of this process will depend greatly on the type of injury you suffered, where you live, and the severity of your condition.
First Step: Initial Claim Three To Four Months
The first step of the Social Security Disability process is to file an initial claim with the Social Security Administration. They will then send your claim to the Arkansas Disability Determination Services to determine the medical validity of your SSDI claim. Approximately 70 percent of all SSDI claims fail on the first attempt and during this first stage, an applicant will likely have their claim denied. It can take roughly three to four months for this stage to be completed.
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Other Payments May Affect Your Disability Benefits
If you receive certain other government benefits, such as workers’ compensation, public disability benefits, or pensions based on work not covered by Social Security , the Social Security benefits payable to you and your family may be reduced.
For more information about how these benefits can affect your Social Security payments, please refer to the following publications:
Do Not Minimize Your Disability
Some hard-working people have a character trait that leads them to put on a brave face when they are injured or sick. In sports, we often hear that players are encouraged to play with pain, or to shake off a minor injury.
Social Security Disability benefits are not granted for bravery or for modesty. Your doctors and the Social Security Disability examiners and hearing officers need to understand how your life is affected by your physical or mental impairment. If you communicate either in your words or in your actions that its not that bad, your doctor will record that fact in their notes. If you say it during your SSD hearing, you may torpedo your claim.
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Fact: Ssdi Payments Don’t Kick In Immediately
Processing can take three to five months, according to the Social Security Administration. When your request is approved, you will receive a letter with the effective date. Your first payment will be for the sixth full month following your disability effective date, according to Social Security.
For example, if you get a letter that approves your claim and sets a disability effective date of January 15, your first payment will be for the month of July. But you’ll actually get that payment in August, since payments are made one month after the month they cover.
How Long Does It Take To Get Disability Benefits
Applying and qualifying for Social Security disability benefits is often a long and frustrating process. It generally takes four to six months to receive benefits. However, if your initial claims are denied, it takes an extra 6 to 8 months on average to get a hearing as part of the appeals process. Even if you win your appeal, two years may have passed since you first submitted your application.
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Your Path To Disability Income
If youre no longer able to work because of serious medical issues, the wait to see if youre approved for income can seem to stretch forever.
Its difficult enough dealing with your health problems. Now youre facing a financial emergency, too. You need disability benefits to steady your life as soon as possible. Knowing how long you may wait can help you plan and cope.
If youre filing for disability benefits for the first time, statistics from the Social Security Administration show the average wait nationally is 2 to 4 months from the time you apply until your receive a decision on your original application. At our law firm serving people in Charleston and around South Carolina, we typically see decisions within six months.
But that might be just the beginning. If youre denied benefits, you canand probably shouldappeal the decision, which takes longer.
At the Robertson Wendt Disability Finkel Law Firm LLC, get started by having us give you an idea of what your specific application will take.
Prevent Delays In Receiving Your Disability Benefits
How long does it take to get disability back pay? The answer for most applicants waiting for social security benefits is too long. The Social Security Disability Benefits attorneys at Marc Whitehead & Associates want you to receive your disability benefits with as little delays as possible.
While we cant speed up the SSAs deliberation process, we can help you avoid the kinds of mistakes that could add months or even years onto the time it takes to get your claim approved. We can also ensure you receive the total back payment of benefits you are entitled to. Dont risk any unnecessary delays in getting the benefits you deserve. Contact the law offices of Marc Whitehead & Associates to schedule a free consultation with an experienced disability benefits lawyer to discuss the best way to proceed with your Social Security disability claim. Call us today at
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What Happens After Social Security Disability Approval
The Difference Between Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income
For many Social Security disability insurance applicants, the claim process can be challenging. But upon receiving your Social Security disability approval, its important to have a good understanding of next steps. From knowing when your benefits will begin to knowing what types of medical coverage you may receive, having an idea of what to expect after you are approved is important.