If you are approved for Social Security disability benefits, the amount will be based upon the average of your lifetime earnings. You receive a statement every year that details your Social Security earnings to date, and gives you a disability benefit estimate.
You will also notice that this statement includes estimates of your retirement or survivors benefits that you and your family might be eligible to receive in the future. If you would like to have an estimate of your SSDI benefits and you can call the Social Security Administration or request an estimate online at their website.
What Happens When You Get Approved?
If your application for Social Security disability benefits is approved, your benefits will be paid for the sixth month after the date on which you became disabled. For example, if your disability started on January 15th, the first disability benefit will be paid for July. The payment would be received in the next month, or August in this case.
If these facts are confusing for you, you're not alone. Securing representation by a qualified disability attorney will make the entire disability application process much easier for you to understand.
Understanding Back Pay
When your Social Security disability application gets approved, more often than not the time it took to get approved took quite some time. Since that is the case, the SSA gives out back pay based on the date that you became disabled.
Back pay is given to those as a benefit to people who apply for SSDI or SSI benefits because the process can take so long. There is a The retroactive limit on back pay, which is usually 1 year before the date of your application.
Next Steps to Take
If you need to find information online at the Social Security website, you will find that you or your attorney can file for disability benefits online and find your local Social Security Office address.
You may request that a letter be sent to you confirming the amount of your benefits or find copies of helpful publications.
You or your attorney can contact the Social Security Administration. All such calls are kept strictly confidential. The Social Security Administration pledges to give you courteous service and accurate information, but you will still probably be more comfortable throughout the application and appeal processes if you are represented by a qualified attorney or advocate.
