When you are unable to work due to a disability, Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits can prove to be invaluable. But though you may be relieved to receive a disability award letter in the mail, you may not know what you should do next.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will mail you an award letter if it approves of your application and you qualify for SSD benefits. The award letter will include the number of payments and will state when they are to begin. Unfortunately, it often takes six months before you will receive your first payment.
Appealing the Provisions of Your Award Letter
Once you receive an award letter, it’s important that you read through it. After looking at the provisions in the letter, if you disagree with them you have the right to file an appeal by contacting the SSA within 60 days of receiving the letter. This appeal is called a “reconsideration.”
How Long Will Your Benefits Continue?
Your SSD benefit payments as listed in your award letter will continue as long as your condition doesn’t improve and you remain unable to work. Should your condition get better and you are now able to work, you have the responsibility to contact and notify the SSA.
The SSA will conduct its own review to determine the status of your disability. If the SSA needs to reach you, it has the right to show up on your doorstep. However, you have the right to demand to see the agent’s ID. You can always confirm the agent’s identity by contacting the SSA. Luckily though, the SSA will usually contact you via direct mail or telephone.
How Will My Benefits Be Delivered?
For those who applied for SSD benefits on or after May 1, 2011, they will receive benefits electronically in a few different ways:
If you applied for your benefits on or after May 1, 2011, your benefits will be paid out electronically; you should have signed up for them when you applied.
- Direct Deposit
- Direct Express®
- Electronic Transfer Account
For those who applied for SSD benefits prior to May 1, 2011, the U.S. Treasury Department will send payments through the Direct Express® card program.
Retirement
Once an individual reaches the full age of retirement, his or her SSD benefits will automatically change to retirement benefits. However, the amount will still remain the same.
The Las Vegas SSD Attorneys at Roeschke Law, LLC Can Help
If you or a loved one is struggling with a disability that prevents you from working, you may not know how to proceed. Fortunately, the attorneys at Roeschke Law, LLC can help. We understand the impact that a disability can have on your physical, emotional, and financial health. That’s why it’s our mission to help you. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, contact us today!