Social Security Disability Backpayments ExplainedThe entire process of collecting social security disability payments can be a long and frustrating one. There are often many hurdles to jump over when it comes to qualifying for a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim. It can take months before an individual finally is granted eligibility. If this does happen they are often entitled to receive disability back payments. These payments generally reflect the amount of disability the individual was entitled to after the initial waiting period which is five months. For anyone who is claiming SSDI there is a mandatory waiting period. When a person is approved the first time they apply, the issue of disability back payments won't apply to them. On the other hand when a claimant must go through the appeal process, there is a strong chance that once their case is ultimately settled that they will receive back payments. The appeal process to receive SSDI payments can take upwards of several years. If this is the case and the individual is triumphant in winning their claim they can expect to receive a lump sum payment for the amount they are due. Unfortunately, the check typically doesn't arrive until about two months after the approval. There is also the option for the claimant to arrange direct deposit into a bank account. This can cut down dramatically on the waiting time as the payment doesn't have to be printed and then mailed. Some claimants may mistakenly believe that they won't win their appeal and therefore stop seeking medical treatment. This is a huge error in judgment as the appeal process can take years and during that time, the claimant must remain under the supervision and careful watch of a doctor. If they fail to attend any doctor's appointments, skip going to therapy or stop purchasing their medication this can have a negative impact on their claim as well as the amount they may receive in backpayments. In many cases, when someone hires an attorney to represent them through the SSDI appeal process that attorney will be working on a contingency basis. This means that they won't get anything until the case has been settled. Typically the arrangement is set forth on a percentage basis. If this is indeed the case, the claimant will be obligated to give a portion of their backpayment to their attorney once the appeal has been resolved. Although this may seem disappointing at the time, it's important to remember that the claimant may not have gotten anything at all without the help of the attorney. No one should count on receiving back payments though. Many cases that go to appeal actually aren't resolved in a favorable way. That is why it's important for the individual to realize that although they may feel they are eligible for SSDI benefits, that's not always the way the government views it. |