SSD FAQs

Is There a Waiting Period for Benefits?

When you apply for Social Security benefits, you may have to wait a few weeks or months until you hear about your application. Once your application is accepted, there is generally a five-month waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. After the sixth full month, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will give you your first payment.

If you are disabled because of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and are approved for benefits after July 23, 2020, there is no waiting period for your benefits payments.

If you are applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and are waiting for your application to be processed, you may be able to receive SSI benefits right away under certain circumstances. Total deafness, total blindness, and other disabilities can qualify you for immediate payment.

Applying for Social Security benefits can be frustrating and overwhelming. If you need assistance with your application or an appeal, contact our law firm by calling 480-999-4740 today.

How Long Does it Take to Receive Benefits After I Apply?

After applying for Social Security benefits, it generally takes three to six months before the SSA can make a determination. The time it takes for a decision to be made depends on the nature of your disability, how quickly the SSA can gather medical evidence, and whether the SSA deems it necessary to send you for a medical examination.

The SSA may also take longer to review your application for quality purposes. You can always create a Social Security account to check the status of your application online.

Once your application is accepted, there is generally a five-month waiting period before your benefits will start. You will receive your first payment after the sixth full month of your application acceptance.

Can I Work While Receiving SSDI Benefits?

If you receive SSDI payments, your disability likely stops you from working a steady job. However, there may come a point when you’d like to try working again. SSDI allows individuals to try out a job while continuing their SSDI payments.

SSDI’s work incentives involve the following steps:

• For the first five years after receiving benefits, you can work and get SSDI benefits simultaneously, no matter what you earn. This is called the Trial Work Period.
• After the Trial Work Period is over, you start the Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) for three years. For every month that your income is below Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), you can keep receiving benefits.
• At the end of your EPE, you will keep getting benefits if your income is below SGA. If your income is higher than SGA, your benefits will cease.
• For the first five years after you stop getting benefits, you may be able to get back onto SSDI benefits without having to reapply.

SSDI’s rules allow individuals to try working a job for a few years while still maintaining their benefits. If you find that you can work a steady job, you can keep your job and lose the benefits you don’t need. But if you cannot maintain your work schedule, you can quit your job and still retain your benefits.

Do Other Payments Affect My Disability Benefits?

Worker’s compensation, public disability benefits, and pensions based on work might cause your Social Security benefits to be reduced. If you receive other benefits besides Social Security benefits, the total amount of all the benefits cannot exceed 80% of your earnings before you become disabled.

Some public benefits, including SSI, Veterans benefits, and state benefits, do not affect your ability to maintain Social Security benefits. If you are concerned about the benefits you receive in relation to Social Security benefits, contact our law firm for more information.

What Can a Disability Benefits Attorney Do for Me?

The world of Social Security disability benefits can be confusing, especially for individuals without a legal background. We understand just how important it is to receive these benefits to provide for you and your family, and our attorneys are confident that we can assist you in the application or appeals process.

Our team at Roeschke Law has years of experience helping clients receive and maintain the benefits they deserve. To learn more about our services, contact our law office by calling 480-999-4740.