Home » Questions About Social Security Disability and SSI Benefits

Questions About Social Security Disability and SSI Benefits

FAQ

It is natural to have questions about such a complex and time-consuming process. Give the attorneys at Pisegna And Zimmerman, LLC a call to get answers to your questions about the Social Security disability and SSI benefits claims process. Learn more about commonly asked questions below.

How Long Does it Take to Get Social Security Disability Once Approved?

After the grueling process of being approved for Social Security disability, you will likely expect to receive your benefits immediately. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Claimants typically have to wait for one to two months after they have been approved before they receive their first payment. In some cases, it can take as long as 90 days. Though you will normally have to wait a few months, the time that you have to wait between approval and your first payment will be reflected in the back pay that you receive. In many instances, this process can be made faster when you work with an experienced Social Security disability lawyer.

How do I Check The Status of my Social Security Disability Claim?

There are multiple ways to check the status of your initial Social Security Disability application. They include calling your local Social Security Administration office, contacting your disability examiner directly, or checking the status of your claim online (if you originally applied online). If you have been denied and are requesting reconsideration or going through the appeals process, you can contact your local SSA office and/or your assigned examiner (if not yet transferred to appeals) or the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) if it has been transferred.

How Long Does it Take to Get Disability With a Lawyer?

While your Social Security disability lawyer cannot help you to have a sooner hearing, they can ensure that you don’t make common procedural and documentation mistakes that generally slow the process. Furthermore, if you have been approved, a Social Security disability lawyer may be able to help you to get your benefits faster than if you were not represented by someone that has an understanding of and relationship with the SSA.

How Long Does it Take to Get Disability Back Pay?

The backpay will include the time between approval and your first payment. The timeframe for backpay begins when you initially apply for benefits. Retroactive pay, on the other hand, can go back as far as 12 months (if you can prove that you have been disabled for this amount of time prior to your application).

Does Anyone Get Approved For Disability The First Time?

Yes. However, only about 30% of applicants are approved the first time that they apply. This is especially true if you do not have an experienced Social Security disability lawyer advocating for you. Most denials occur due to procedural mistakes, lack of evidence, and errors within the paperwork.

How Do You Survive While Waiting For Disability Approval?

It can be difficult for anyone to survive while waiting for Social Security disability benefits. Some options that you have can include working (as long as you don’t make more than $1,220 per month), applying for ancillary benefits, or borrowing money from your support system or savings. Working with a Social Security benefits attorney can help to ensure that your claim runs smoothly and lessen the likelihood of denial and more waiting time.

Other Articles