Defending And Empowering The Disabled Since 1993

Disabled? Do not wait before filing application for benefits

On Behalf of | Nov 13, 2015 | Social Security Disability

In Georgia residents’ daily lives, timing can be very important. With work, family events and other personal circumstances, individuals lead very busy lives. Timing can be very important in the legal system as well. When individuals file claims for Social Security disability benefits for injuries, for example, there are typically certain deadlines that must be followed in order to receive the benefits.

Unfortunately, confusion can result when it comes to the timing in an individual’s case. For instance, as this blog has previously discussed, individuals typically must have a disability that is expected to last at least a year in order to be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. Some may think this means they need to wait a year before applying for benefits, but this is not the case.

The case itself will take typically take months to process after it is started. Accordingly, individuals should be sure they apply for disability benefits as soon as they are disabled. Otherwise, if they wait, he or she may find him or herself in a situation where they need disability benefits but are not able to receive them because the case is being processed.

Once a person’s application for benefits is approved, the agency will usually pay the first benefit for the 6 full months after the date the disability began. The benefit itself will be paid in the month following the month it is due.

The bottom line is that individuals should not wait to take action if they have suffered a disability that makes them eligible for disability benefits. It is essential that individuals file an application for benefits as soon as they can in order to start the process toward receiving the benefits they need. Those unsure when their deadline is or if they might miss it should take steps to obtain the help they need to file his or her application timely.

Source: Asbury Park Press, “Apply for benefits as soon as you’re disabled,” Joanne Crane, Nov. 1, 2015

Archives

FindLaw Network