Q: When will I receive my first check?
A: If your application for Social Security disability is approved, the state Social Security board will determine a "date of onset," or a date when you were no longer able to work because of your disability. You are eligible to receive benefits five months after your date of onset. 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. If your disability began before you applied for Social Security disability, you may be eligible to receive back payments. You can receive retroactive benefit payments for no more than a year. If you need assistance applying for or determining if you are eligible for retroactive payments, it would be helpful to contact a social security lawyer. There are many applicants who do receive back payments for benefits, since the process of applying for benefits can often take quite a while.
Q: Will my children receive benefits? A: Whether or not your children receive benefits will depend upon how much you contributed to Social Security prior to being injured. Your child may be entitled to receive monthly benefit amounts of about 50 percent of your full monthly benefit amount. There is a cap on the amount for which dependents are eligible. As previously mentioned, that amount is dependent upon how much you have contributed to Social Security over your time in the workforce. To be eligible, a child cannot be married. 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. A social security lawyer can be a good advocate, if you are confused about family benefit limits or dependent eligibility.
Q: Does my case continue to be reviewed after benefits have been awarded?
A: If you are currently receiving Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, your file will be reviewed periodically. Social Security is entitled to conduct a review (called a Continuing Disability Review) as long as you continue to receive benefits. A periodic CDR will give the disability examiner current information on your medical condition, treatments and status. The Social Security Administration is supposed to do the reviews every one, three and seven years, but they currently have quite a backlog. That means a review of your case could happen when you do not expect it. You will maintain your benefits, until your injury has changed or you are able to work enough to bring in at least $940 monthly income. SSI benefits will discontinue if your income is no longer below the income criterion. 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.

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by: albert.tobega
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