If you’ve finally received your coveted disability award letter in the mail, you’re likely feeling pretty excited over your accomplishment. However, you might also be filled with a little confusion as to what exactly happens next and what you need to do. Lucky for you, our Social Security disability attorneys at Aiello Law Group have all the answers, and are here to help you understand precisely what to expect now that you’ve been approved for your SSDI benefits!
Reading Your Letter
Reading your actual award letter is pretty straightforward. Inside your award letter you should find all the information you need about what your actual payments will look like, and when you expect the first one to arrive. You should make note though that typically your first payment may not come in for as long as six months after you’ve been officially approved. The good news is there’s really nothing you need to do at this point except wait patiently.
How Long Can You Receive Payments?
A person can continue to receive benefits as long as they continue to be hindered by their documented condition, meaning they are still incapable of working. If you start to get better and your health improves to a point where you are suddenly able to begin working again, it’s entirely your responsibility to report these changes to the SSA so your benefits can be adjusted or discontinued accordingly. Just know, regardless of whether or not you come forward, the truth will likely come out anyway thanks to “Continuing Disability Reviews,” which are essentially wellness checks that help the SSA keep track of recipients and their disability statuses.
Receiving Benefits Electronically
Those applying for benefits on/after May 1st, 2011 can easily specify that they would like their benefits transferred electronically at the time of their application. Options for electronic payment include:
- Direct Deposit
- Electronic Transfer Account
- Direct Express®
Anything prior to that, and benefits are automatically distributed through the Direct Express® card program.
What About Retirement?
As soon as a person reaches their full retirement age, SSDI benefits are instantly turned into retirement benefits. After two years of receiving SSDI benefits, the SSA will even remind you of your eligibility to receive Medicare as well. The actual amount, of course, remains the same. Unless you’re also receiving reduced widow/widower benefits, in which case you will need to have them corrected by the SSA once you hit retirement.
Have more/specific questions about obtaining Social Security disability benefits, or what’s expected of you once you’re approved? Contact our seasoned Social Security disability attorneys at Aiello Law Group today! Call us, today, at 313.964.4900 or fill out the form in the sidebar or on our contact page, and learn more about how we can help you.
