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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.

 

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