Q: When will I actually start receiving benefits?
A: When your disability case was given approval, the Social Security board in your particular state decided when your injury first prevented you from working (known as "date of onset.") Five months following that determined onset date, you will be allowed to collect your first benefits. But, benefits are paid at the end of each eligible month, so you will not receive your first payment until six months after your date of onset. You will not receive payments for the five month waiting period. It is possible to be paid retroactively, if it is proven that your condition was present prior to your application for disability benefits. You can receive retroactive benefit payments for no more than a year. If you believe you are eligible for back payments, you may wish to seek counsel from a social security lawyer to help you apply for retroactive benefits. Given that the application and review process for claims can be quite lengthy, a good number of claimants are awarded benefits retroactively.
Q: Are my dependents eligible for benefit payments? A: Payments to dependents are determined by the amount of your Social Security contributions. In some cases, children are eligible for up to 50 percent of the amount of benefits you receive. There is a cap on the amount for which dependents are eligible. And again, how much your dependents are eligible to receive is based on your Social Security earnings history. Your child must be unmarried to qualify. He cannot be older than 18, unless he is a student (students cannot be older than 20 to be eligible.) If you currently receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, your dependents are not eligible to receive benefits under your claim. If you have any questions about qualifications for dependents, you may wish to contact a social security lawyer.
Q: Does my case continue to be reviewed after benefits have been awarded?
The administration does evaluate your records from time to time. Until you are able to return to work or reach the age of retirement, your file will be subject to Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs.) The CDR is undergone to update your file with the latest medical records and to determine if your condition has improved significantly. The Social Security Administration is supposed to do the reviews every one, three and seven years, but they currently have quite a backlog. Given current backlogs, your file could be undergoing a CDR at any point. Benefits typically continue, unless you return to work and earn more than $940 per month, or your medical condition has improved significantly. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you would stop receiving payments once your income level exceeds the limit for eligibility. If you are confused about returning to work in some capacity and how that may affect your benefits, it would be wise to contact a social security lawyer.