Congratulations! Your social security disability benefits claim was approved. If you are like most of my Louisiana disability clients after your SSDI claim has been approved – you want to know WHEN WILL I GET THE DISABILITY BENEFITS I HAVE BEEN AWARDED?

It will usually take a few months for your benefits to start – AFTER YOU RECEIVE A FAVORABLE WRITTEN DECISION.

How long after approval for disability do you get your money?

If you received a favorable decision on your initial application WOW – your benefits will start as soon as the paperwork is processed.

You probably won’t have to work to obtain back benefits.

Your benefits will probably start within 30-90 days, assuming that you have completed the 5 month elimination period.

If your claim went through a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge, you will have to wait longer.; Many ALJs in the New Orleans Social Security and Metairie Social Security hearing offices take about 1-3 months to issue their written decision.

When the decision is favorable, the claim file is then sent to the payment processing center, where it can take another 1-3 months for current benefits to start.

How long does it take to get back pay from Social Security?

In some situations, Social Security issues current monthly benefits, but not the back payments.

This is because they need to investigate if you received any Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

If you also have a claim for SSI benefits, you will need to call or go to your local Social Security office for an appointment before your benefits can be released.

Social Security does not have any specific rules on when they will pay you after being approved, but if you have not received your benefits 60 days after your hearing, give your local Social Security office a call.

If I am approved for SSDI benefits, do I get other benefits?

Medicare

An SSDI beneficiary is automatically eligible for Medicare 24 months after the onset date or date they were found to be disabled.

Medicare coverage starts in the 25th month of your SSDI entitlement. SSA will automatically send you information approximately 3 months before you are eligible for Medicare.

Food Stamps

Social Security disability recipients may be eligible for Food Stamps but must file a separate Food Stamp Program application. Requirements for eligibility vary.

SSI

A Social Security Disability (SSDI) recipient may also qualify for SSI, depending on the amount of your monthly SSDI benefit and your other assets.