When Will a Decision Be Made on a Social Security Benefits Claim?
Q: Who qualifies for social security benefits through the disability insurance program?
A: You are eligible to apply for social security benefits, if your injury will not allow you to work for 12 months or more. Both physical and mental impairments qualify. For your application for social security benefits to be approved, you cannot earn more than the limit set for such benefits. Currently, that amount is just under $1000 per month before taxes. It also must be demonstrated that you cannot take on some other kind of employment. For this, what you did before the onset of your condition, how old you are and your education level are taken into consideration.
Q: How long can you collect social security benefits through the disability program?
A: Your social security benefits will continue until one of the following events occurs. If your condition improves to the point that it allows you to return to work, your social security benefits will be discontinued. If you choose to reenter the workforce, instead of relying on your social security benefits, your benefits would also discontinue. If you become old enough to retire, your social security benefits would also stop. In that case, you would then begin receiving retirement benefits instead. Social Security does conduct periodic reviews of all cases. It is expected that you inform your case manager, should your injury improve or if you return to work.
Q: After I apply for social security benefits, how long does it take to be notified of a decision?
A: The average time it takes for an initial social security benefits claim to be reviewed is a little over 3 months. That being said, it is very difficult to predict how long your particular case will take. A decision on an application for social security benefits can be made in 30 days. Other cases can take up to two years. To improve the chances that your application for social security benefits will not be delayed, make sure you have provided all the required information and filled out paperwork correctly. Most cases get hung up because the claims representative is waiting for current and complete medical information. If you are having difficulty completing the necessary paperwork for your initial application for social security benefits, consider seeking the counsel of an attorney.