Getting the news that your Social Security disability case is approved is a relief, but the work is not quite over because you need to be aware of what is next in the process including the decisions, award letters and payments. Below is an explanation from Social Security about what happens after a case is approved.
What happens when my claim is approved?
We’ll send a letter to you telling you your application is approved, the amount of your monthly benefit, and the effective date. Your monthly disability benefit is based on your average lifetime earnings. Your first Social Security disability benefits will be paid for the sixth full month after the date your disability began. Here is an example: If the state agency decides your disability began on January 15, your first disability benefit will be paid for the month of July. Social Security benefits are paid in the month following the month for which they are due, so you’ll receive your July benefit in August.
Can my family get benefits?
Certain members of your family may qualify for benefits based on your work. They include:
- Your spouse, if he or she is age 62 or older;
- Your spouse at any age, if he or she is caring for a child of yours who is younger than age 16 or disabled;
- Your unmarried child, including an adopted child, or, in some cases, a stepchild or grandchild. The child must be younger than age 18 (or younger than 19 if still in high school);
- Your unmarried child, age 18 or older, if he or she has a disability that started before age 22. The child’s disability must also meet the definition of disability for adults.
How do other payments affect my benefits?
If you’re getting other government benefits (including those from a foreign country), the amount of your Social Security disability benefits may be affected. For more information, you should see the following:
- How Workers’ Compensation And Other Disability Payments May Affect Your Benefits;
- Windfall Elimination Provision;
- Government Pension Offset.
You can get these publications from our website, or you can contact us to request them.
What do I need to tell Social Security?
If you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest You must tell us if you have an outstanding arrest warrant for any of the following felony offenses:
- Flight to avoid prosecution or confinement
- Escape from custody
- Flight-escape
You can’t receive regular disability benefits, or any underpayments you may be due, for any month in which there is an outstanding arrest warrant for any of these felony offenses.
