Skip to main content

AFTER I WIN MY DISABILITY CASE, WHAT NEXT?

 Congratulations on being approved for Social Security disability (SSDI).  Many people ask, what happens next?

 In the first step, Social Security found that you are medically disabled.  Next, they will verify your citizenship/resident status, be sure you have not returned to work and that you meet all non-medical requirements.

Your payment will then be sent to a payment processing center where your amount of past due benefits will be determined.  This will depend largely on your onset date--the date on which Social Security determined that you first became disabled.

If you have dependent claims (minor children), you should call your local Social Security office to file a claim for them as soon as possible after being notified that your primary claim is approved.  Generally, the primary claim is processed first, then the dependents' claims process later.  But you should contact the local Social Security office to file your dependent's claims.

How long does it take to receive your first check?  It varies quite a bit based on which payment processing center you're sent to, how busy the center is, and whether the person processing your payment is on the ball.  Generally, you will receive your past due amount (back pay) 30 to 60 days after your Notice of Decision.  There are a few things can may delay your pay.  If you filed a claim for Supplemental Security Income (SSA), in addition to SSDI, it will take longer to determine how much money you are due.  This is because SSI can offset the amount of SSDI you are due, and it takes longer to figure it out.

If you have not received your past due check after 60 days, it's possible your payment is being held up in some kind of bureaucratic snag.  Call your attorney or call the local Social Security office.

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

MOST IMPORTANT FACTORS IN A SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY CASE

What are the top 3 most important factors in a Social Security disability case? 1.  Medical Evidence. 2.  Medical Evidence 3.  Medical Evidence 4-10     Medical Evidence Federal regulations set the eligibility requirements for Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits.  A claimant must meet these strict legal requirements More than anything else, the claimant's medical evidence will determine the outcome of the claim or appeal.  Without strong objective medical evidence Social Security cannot legally pay you a benefit. Objective Medical Evidence means the result of medical examinations, laboratory tests or imaging studies (X-rays, PT scans, MRI or CT scans). This type of evidence can only be obtained by going to your doctor. There's an old adage that says truthfully:  "The path to Social Security disability benefits runs straight through your doctor's office."  Being approved for an SSDI benefit requires objective medical proof. ...
Post a Comment
Read more

SOCIAL SECRITY DISABILITY: THE DECISION WRITING PROCESS

  By Charles W. Forsythe - The Forsythe Firm in Huntsville An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) has made a decision on your Social Security disability appeal hearing. The decision must now be sent to to a process called "Decision Writing" - where an attorney or paralegal will draft the formal binding decision, explaining the judge's legal rationale for the decision and explaining the mandatory 5-Step decision making process. The decision writing process translates a judge's ruling into a formal, legally binding document. It is a vital but time-consuming phase that ensures all medical evidence and vocational factors align with the law. A typical written decision will be 10 to 20 pages, thus very detailed.  It takes time to write one. There are many decisions ahead of yours and usually they are written in the order received. The step-by-step process breaks down as follows: The Judge’s Ruling & Instructions:  Following your hearing, the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) r...
Post a Comment
Read more

UNDERSTANDING THE 5-STEP SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY PROCESS

Receiving Social Security disability payments depend on one thing:  Proving that you are not able to work. The one and only thing that SSDI pays for is the physical and/or mental inability to work for a period of at least 12 months.  Who decides if you are able to work?  The Social Security Administration (SSA) will decide.--according to their own strict rules and regulations. In reaching that important decision, are you disabled or not, Social Security must use a 5-step examination process.  It's important to understand these 5 sequential steps. STEP 1:  The work Test .  Is the claimant now engaged in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)?  If yes, the claim is denied at Step 1.  They look no further.  You cannot be eligible for SSDI benefits if you are working at SGA, regardles of your medical condition.  (In 2026 you are working at SGA if you earn at least $1,690 per month from work or self-employment). STEP 2.  The Medical Requirem...
Post a Comment
Read more