Does a chronic injury, physical impairment, illness, or other medical issue prevent you from working? You may be entitled to receive benefits through a Social Security disability (SSD) claim. You may be wondering: How long does it take to get disability benefits after getting approved? The short answer is that it will probably take 6 to 8 months to receive benefits after the official onset date of your qualifying disability—though the specific circumstances always matter.
At Snow, Carpio, and Weekley, PLC, our law firm is devoted to helping disabled individuals secure the maximum available financial benefits. We want to help ensure that our clients have the knowledge and resources that they need to protect their financial interests. In this article, our Social Security disability lawyer in Tucson highlights the key things to understand about how long it takes to get your SSD payments after your claim is approved in Arizona.
The Standard Timeline: SSD Claims and the Initial Disability Payments
SSD benefits can be a much-needed source of financial support and financial stability for people and families going through challenging times in Arizona. Understanding the general timeline for Social Security Disability (SSD) claims and initial payments can be critical for those relying on these types of benefits. After applying for SSD in Arizona, expect to wait about one to five months for the initial application to be reviewed and adjudicated. In some cases, it might take longer depending on the workload of the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the specific situation.
You Cannot Get SSD Benefits Right Away—Understanding the Five Month Waiting Period
To be clear, as a matter of federal law, the SSA imposes a five-month waiting period from the onset of your disability before you can qualify for SSD benefits. The purpose of the waiting period is to ensure that only long-term disabilities are covered. So, even if your claim is approved quickly, you will start receiving payments until the sixth month after your disability begins.
An Applicant Can Secure “Back Pay” When Social Security Disability is Approved
While the SSD claims process—and the risk of delays—can seem daunting, the SSA has provisions in place to ensure that families receive the full benefits that they should for the purpose of the law. Back pay is a feature that allows you to receive retroactive payments from the date your disability began or the date you applied for benefits—whichever is later. The amount of back pay you are eligible for will depend on the date your disability began, the application date, and when your application was approved.
For SSI Disability Claims, Expedited Payments May Be Available
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) differs from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). If you are approved for SSI disability claims in Arizona, you might be eligible for expedited payments. These expedited payments can be made within a few days of approval and are designed to provide immediate financial support. It is important to note that these expedited payments are not available for SSDI applicants. The type of disability program you apply for will largely depend on your work history and current financial needs.
Getting Approved for Social Security Disability Benefits Can Be Complicated
It is not uncommon for initial SSD applications to be denied. Quite the contrary, the official data put out by the Social Security Administration (SSA) shows that nearly 70 percent of initial disability claims are rejected by the agency. The SSA has stringent criteria for determining who qualifies for disability benefits— considering both medical and non-medical factors.
Applicants must present detailed documentation of their disability, income, work history, and more. You can benefit from seeking guidance from an experienced Tucson, AZ Social Security disability attorney who, among other things, can help to ensure that all of the paperwork is completed accurately. You do not have to take on the SSD claims process (or appeals process) alone.
Schedule a Free Case Review With a Tuscon, AZ Social Security Disability Attorney Today
At Snow, Carpio and Weekley, PLC, our Tucson Social Security disability lawyers go above and beyond to protect the rights of our clients. Get in touch with us by phone at (877) 370-5788 or contact us online to arrange your free, fully confidential initial appointment. From our office in Tucson, we handle SSD claims and SSD appeals in Pima County and throughout all of Arizona.
