Winning Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits is a major victory. After months or even years of waiting, you’ve finally received the approval that acknowledges your disability and grants you the financial assistance you need. Now that you’ve been approved, you might be wondering—what’s next? Understanding what to expect after your approval can help you prepare for life as an SSDI recipient. Here’s what you should know about receiving your first check, healthcare coverage, continuing disability reviews, and financial planning.
When Will You Receive Your First SSDI Payment?
Once you receive your approval notice, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will “effectuate” it, meaning calculating your award and starting your benefits. Sometimes this seems to happen all at once in a single notice. But other times, you may receive several notices showing the steps in the process. Generally, here’s what to expect:
1. Timing: Your first SSDI payment is typically issued within 30-60 days after approval, but delays can occur depending on SSA processing times.
2. Back Pay: If you were approved for back pay (past-due benefits owed from the time you became disabled), these funds are usually issued in a lump sum.
3. Payment Schedule: SSDI benefits are paid on a set schedule based on your birth date.
A benefit to having a disability law firm like Roose Ressler & Green Co., LPA representing you is that we help ensure your benefits are being processed correctly.
Healthcare Coverage
The good news is that when you are approved for SSDI, it also establishes eligibility for Medicare. The bad news is that there is a lengthy waiting period. Medicare starts 24 months after the first month that you become entitled to a SSDI benefit. This can create challenges as to maintaining healthcare insurance in the meantime. You may be eligible through your most recent job, a spouse’s insurance, or parent’s insurance (if you are under age 26). You may be eligible for Medicaid (means tested public health insurance) and should contact your local Department of Jobs and Family Services (in Ohio) to inquire. Once you are on Medicare, your Part B premium might be coverable by the state, also. Otherwise, we would recommend that you investigate health insurance on the ACA Marketplace.
Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs): Keeping Your Benefits
Receiving SSDI benefits does not guarantee that you will have them for life. The SSA conducts periodic Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) to determine if you still meet disability criteria. Here’s how it works:
1. Frequency of Reviews: CDRs typically occur every 3 to 7 years, depending on the severity of your condition. If medical improvement is expected, reviews may happen sooner.
2. What You Need to Provide: The SSA will request updated medical records and may ask you to undergo a consultative exam. Keeping regular medical appointments and maintaining documentation of your condition is crucial.
3. Risk of Losing Benefits: If the SSA determines that your condition has improved enough for you to work, they may discontinue your benefits. Otherwise, your benefits will continue.
Financial Planning After Approval
Adjusting to life on SSD benefits requires financial planning. Here are some key considerations:
1. Budgeting: SSD benefits provide financial support, but they may not fully replace previous earnings. Creating a budget that accounts for your monthly income and necessary expenses can help you manage your finances.
2. Managing Back Pay: If you receive a lump-sum back payment, consider how to allocate it wisely—paying off debt, saving for emergencies, or investing in necessary healthcare or home modifications.
3. Working While on SSDI: If you’re considering returning to work, SSA offers a “Trial Work Period” which allows you to test your ability to work for up to nine months without losing benefits. There is a risk in losing benefits, when your work continues beyond the nine-month period. You are required to inform SSA about your work activity. SSA also offers the Ticket to Work program, that provide protection of your benefits while engaged in the program.
Need Help With Your SSDI Claim?
Adjusting to life after winning SSD benefits can be overwhelming! We hope this information is helpful. Our team at Roose Ressler & Green Co., LPA, understands the complexities of Social Security Disability law and is dedicated to guiding Northern Ohio residents through every stage of the process.
The Roose Ressler & Green Co., LPA Team is located in Lorain, Toledo, and Wooster, Ohio. You can count on us as your local disability advocates to analyze your case thoroughly in order to determine what is necessary for you to receive benefits. We assess the best methods to prove the crucial facts of your case and gather the necessary evidence. Having 40+ years of experience serving Northern Ohioans, we know the ins and outs of the local disability process.