How Long after Your Social Security Claim is Approved Should You Expect Payments?
Your Social Security claim is finally approved after years of waiting. You’re probably relieved because the past few years have likely been stressful, so you’re
Don’t forget that you’re dealing with a government agency, and they have to deal with a lot of red tape. Granted, if you filed a Social Security claim, you are probably well aware of that by now.
I hate to waste time, and I love simple things. In my mind, if you are approved for your benefits, a few clicks of the mouse should send a check your way, but that is not how the SSA does things. In fact, there are a number of things you should know about the Social Security payment process after you’re approved.
First of all, the way in which the Social Security payment process starts is confusing. SSI payments are processed at your local SSA office. On the other hand, SSDI payments are processed by way of Social Security Processing Centers. These are generally pretty far away from rural areas.
For instance, our firm is based in Parkersburg, West Virginia. We frequently deal with the Social Security processing centers in Philadelphia and Baltimore. Obviously, they aren’t local, and they can have issues that we might not be aware of back here.
It’s also important to note that the SSA is a large organization, housing many different departments which are usually not in sync. So, it makes total sense that you could receive a favorable decision and not receive payment for 30 to 120 days. It is also possible, but uncommon, to could get payment before you actually receive the decision. We see this more so in our VA Disability practice, but it is possible with Social Security too.
With Social Security, like most things in life, the less complicated the situation, the quicker it will be. If you just have a normal black and white Social Security claim, you likely won’t see many issues. However, if you have a workers’ comp claim or retirement, or even if you’re getting both SSDI and SSI, you’re more likely than not going to see delays.
We know how frustrating it can be at a time like this, but we’ve seen it a lot before, and we’ll likely see it more in the future. Once the processing is complete, the claimant will receive a Notice of Award letter detailing all the payment information such as monthly benefit amount, Social Security back payment amount owed, when monthly checks will start, and how much was paid to the attorney, if you made use of one.
Finally, there are some miscellaneous items that can cause delays and Social Security myths that may cause concern. For instance, if you were married or divorced during the time your claim was pending, this will likely cause a delay. The same is true if you returned to work during this same process. Delays should be expected there as well.
The disability process as a whole is very frustrating. It’s best not to fight it alone. That’s why so many people turn to the team at Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law, to get the benefits they deserve. From start to finish we have the people and the passion for getting you the benefits you deserve.
Call us today for a free consultation from our Social Security lawyers from North Carolina And West Virginia. Fill out this form, and a representative will call you.
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What are Presumptive Benefits in a Social Security Claim?
Federal law mandates that all Federal benefit payments – including Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits – must be made electronically.
There are two ways you can receive your benefits:
- Into an existing bank account via Direct Deposit or
- Onto a Direct Express® Debit Mastercard®
Direct Deposit is the best electronic payment option for you because it is:
- Safe – Since your money goes directly into the bank in the form of an electronic transfer, there's no risk of a check being lost or stolen.
- Quick – It's easy to receive your benefit by Direct Deposit. You can sign up online at Go Direct®, by calling 1-800-333-1795, in person at your bank, savings and loan or credit union, or calling Social Security. Then, just relax. Your benefit will go automatically into your account every month. And you'll have more time to do the things you enjoy!
- Convenient – With Direct Deposit, you no longer have to stand in line to cash your check when it arrives. Your money goes directly into your account. You don't have to leave your house in bad weather or worry if you're on vacation or away from home. You don't have to pay any fees to cash your checks. Your money is in your account ready to use when business opens the day you receive your check.
If you are applying for Social Security or Supplemental Security Income benefits, you must elect to receive your benefit payment electronically when you enroll. If you currently receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income benefits by check, you must switch to an electronic payment option listed above.
To learn more about how to easily switch from a paper check to an electronic payment option, visit Treasury’s Go Direct website or call the Treasury’s Electronic Payment Solution Center at 1-800-333-1795. You can also create a my Social Security account and start or change Direct Deposit online.
In extremely rare circumstances, Treasury may grant exceptions to the electronic payment mandate. For more information or to request a waiver, call Treasury at 855-290-1545. You may also print and fill out a waiver form and return it to the address on the form.
If you have any questions, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).