What is the waiting for Social Security Disability?

Asked by: Carlos Wyman  |  Last update: November 12, 2022
Score: 4.4/5 (66 votes)

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits have a five month waiting period, which means that benefit payments will not begin before the sixth full month of disability. The SSDI waiting period begins the first full month after the date we decide your disability began.

How long do you have to wait for Social Security disability?

Is there a waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits? If we find you disabled, there is generally a five-month waiting period before we can begin your benefits. We will pay your first benefit the sixth full month after the date we find your disability began.

How will I know if my Social Security disability is approved?

You can check the status of your application online using your personal my Social Security account. If you are unable to check your status online, you can call us 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Why do you have to wait 5 months for SSDI?

The purpose of this waiting period is to ensure that applicants have long-term disabilities before they receive any benefits. For example, if the SSA awards benefits on February 1st, they won't actually be dispersed until July.

How can I speed up my disability process?

Here are some more ways to speed up your disability application.
  1. Requesting an OTR Decision. ...
  2. Requesting an Attorney Advisor Decision. ...
  3. Compassionate Allowances List. ...
  4. Terminal Illnesses. ...
  5. Presumptive Disability. ...
  6. Dire Need. ...
  7. Military Service Members. ...
  8. Contacting a Member of Congress.

Working While Waiting To Get Approved For Social Security Disability

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How can I survive waiting for disability?

Fortunately, some options do exist to help you survive.
  1. What To Do For Income While Waiting for Disability. TANF. Short-Term Disability. Workers' Compensation. ...
  2. Financial Assistance While Waiting for Disability. Free Money. Energy Assistance. Housing Assistance. ...
  3. Loans While Waiting for Disability. Student Loans. Mortgage Loans.

What's the quickest you can get disability?

All SSDI claims are subject to a waiting period for benefits. The earliest payments can start is five months from the date that Social Security determines your disability began, based on the medical evidence you provide.

How many months does SSDI back pay?

By law SSDI benefits have a five-month waiting period — they start the sixth full month after the onset date — so you're entitled to 10 months of past-due benefits. Social Security typically pays past-due SSDI in a lump sum within 60 days of the claim being approved.

Does everyone get back pay for disability?

You are entitled to receive a maximum of 12 months of retroactive benefits prior to your application date. Retroactive pay is not owed to everyone and is not affected by the backlog of Disability cases.

What happens after you get a fully favorable disability decision?

If you receive a fully favorable decision, the SSA approved your application with the onset date of disability that you originally noted. You will then start receiving disability benefits as soon as your elimination period or waiting period has ended.

How long after I receive my award letter will I get my money?

You can usually expect your back pay and first monthly check to start 30-90 days after the award letter. As far as insurance is concerned, if you were approved for SSI, you will receive If approved for SSI, will receive Medicaid benefits automatically depending on the state you live in.

What disqualifies a person from disability?

Making Too Much Money. To qualify for disability benefits, a person must not be able to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) earning up to a certain amount. If you are able to make more than the SGA, then you will not qualify. For 2022 the threshold is $1,350 per month.

Who makes the final decision on Social Security disability?

Using federal laws, regulations, and Agency policies and procedures, the state agency completes the disability decision for Social Security. In addition, the Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews a sample of initial disability claims prior to a final determination.

How does disability determine how much you get a month?

Your benefit amount is based on the quarter with your highest wages earned within the base period. A base period covers 12 months and is divided into four consecutive quarters. The base period includes wages subject to SDI tax that were paid about 5 to 18 months before your disability claim began.

Why does it take so long to get approved for Social Security disability?

Because there are so many applications that are filed each year, it takes time for the SSA to process and review each one. This review time can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months on average. Most people have their initial application denied. It doesn't mean that your case is over and that you should give up.

What is the SSDI payment for 2022?

Federal Benefit Rate (FBR)

For 2022, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) FBR is $841 per month for an eligible individual and $1,261 per month for an eligible couple.

What is the big retroactive check from Social Security?

If you apply one to five months after you reach FRA, you can get retroactive benefits in a lump sum for that number of months. If you file six months or more past full retirement age, you can get up to six months in back benefits.

How is disability back pay determined?

Calculating SSDI Back Payments

Count the months between your EOD and application date to determine retroactive months. The number of months between the EOD and approval date, minus the five-month waiting period, plus the retroactive months, times your monthly payment equals the total amount of back pay due.

Do you pay taxes on SSDI?

SSDI and Federal Taxes

As of 2020, SSDI payments are considered taxable for individuals who have over $25,000 in yearly income or married couples with over $32,000 in yearly income. (Your income is one-half of your SSDI benefit plus the full amount of any other sources of household income.)

How long does it take to get your first SSDI check?

Generally, if your application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is approved, you must wait five months before you can receive your first SSDI benefit payment. This means you would receive your first payment in the sixth full month after the date we find that your disability began.

How do they determine how much SSDI you get?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will determine your payment based on your lifetime average earnings before you became disabled. Your benefit amount will be calculated using your covered earnings. These are your earnings at jobs where your employer took money out of your wages for Social Security or FICA.

How often does SSDI check your bank accounts?

As we explain in this blog post, SSI can check your bank accounts anywhere from every one year to six years, or when you experience certain life-changing experiences. The 2022 maximum amount of available financial resources for SSI eligibility remains at $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples.

Can you collect Social Security while waiting for disability?

In most cases, you cannot collect Social Security retirement and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) at the same time. You may, however, qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if you meet the strict financial criteria while drawing either Social Security retirement or SSDI benefits.

How do I pass a disability review?

If you want to keep yours, here are some tips on how to pass a continuing disability review:
  1. Follow Your Treatment Protocol. ...
  2. Learn More About Your Condition. ...
  3. Answer the Short Form Honestly. ...
  4. Keep Copies of Your Medical Records. ...
  5. Inform the SSA of Any Change in Address.

Is it harder to get SSI or SSDI?

SSDI is the easier of the two to apply for, and you can do so online at www.socialsecurity.gov. SSI is slightly more complicated, so you'll need to apply in person at your local Social Security office or over the phone.