I was approved for Social Security disability benefits. What can I expect?

You’ve decided to apply for Social Security disability benefits in Florida. After weeks of waiting, you finally get a letter in the mail- “Congratulations, You’re Approved!”

But what exactly does that mean? Here are the most common questions people ask when their Palm Beach Social Security disability applications are approved:

• When will my payments start? Generally, you cannot receive payments until the sixth full month after your injury date. When you are approved, the Social Security Administration will send you a letter with the start date of your benefits.
• How much will I get? The amount depends on your average earnings while you were employed at a job that paid into Social Security.
• How will I be paid? If you applied for benefits after May 1, 2011, your payments will be directly deposited into your account. Those who applied earlier may still receive paper checks mailed to their home, but all payments will be electronic by March 1, 2013.
• Will my payment arrive the same day every month? The date of payment will be around the same date as your birthday (or if you collect someone else’s benefits, the disabled party’s birthday).
• Will my payments ever stop? If your disability improves to the point where you are able to return to work, you may no longer be eligible for Social Security benefits.
• Do I have to pay taxes on my benefits? Yes. They are counted as income, and you will have to pay taxes on Social Security benefits at the end of each year that you receive them.
• Will Social Security representatives ever come to my home? The Social Security Administration will review your case every so often to determine if you still need your benefits. The SSA will contact you to notify you of a review and may send someone to your home to sit down with you and go over your medical records, work records, and any other pertinent documents in your case.

Many people who have had their disability benefits approved have been disappointed to discover that the SSA can deny them those benefits at any time-and often without reason. The help of a Palm Beach Social Security disability attorney can help you keep your benefits, appeal your denial and get you the help you need living with a serious injury.

If you need help after your Social Security disability benefits were denied, call Fetterman & Associates today at (866) 865-1244 for a free consultation.