For many Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) applicants, the claim process can be challenging. But upon receiving your Social Security disability approval, it’s important to have a good understanding of next steps. From knowing when your benefits will begin to knowing what types of medical coverage you may receive, having an idea of what to expect after you are approved is important.
After Social Security Disability Approval, When Do Payments Begin?
According to the Social Security Administration, claimants who win Social Security disability approval get their first payment during the sixth full month after the date their disability began. For example, if your disability started on June 1, you should get your first check in December – six full months after the condition’s onset.
Keep in mind that Social Security disability approval means that benefits are paid the following month. So, you won’t receive your December disability benefits until the following January.
How Much Should I Expect From the SSA After My Social Security Disability Approval?
Your lifetime work earnings determine how much money you qualify for each month in Social Security disability benefits. The SSA calculates your maximum monthly benefit amount using your:
- Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME), which include up to 35 years’ worth earnings you received while working and contributing to the Social Security fund, and
- Your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), which is the adjusted amount of disability benefits you qualify for once it’s adjusted using what the SSA calls “bend points” (for a detailed chart explaining how this PIA formula changes every year, visit the SSA’s website)
Depending on your earnings record, SSDI recipients may be able to receive up to $3,345/month in benefits. However, the average payment nationwide in 2022 is $1,358/month.
Does Social Security Disability Approval Include Health Insurance?
After the SSA approves your claim, you won’t automatically get health insurance right away. Once you receive SSD approval, you must wait 24 months for Medicare. Then, you receive automatic enrollment into into Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (health insurance).
The federal government manages Medicare to specifically cover individuals aged 65 and older. In addition, Medicare also provides healthcare coverage for younger people with qualifying disabilities.
Haven’t Received An Answer Back About Your Claim Yet? Don’t Worry!
Getting SSDI benefits can be a real challenge. However, a qualified disability advocate or attorney charges $0 for legal assistance unless you win benefits. People who file with legal assistance are nearly 3x more likely to win benefits. In fact, those who apply with legal assistance through this website typically receive $12,000 in lump-sum backpay as well as monthly disability. Those who apply on their own without legal assistance usually go 18-24 months without income before SSD approval.
Ready to see if you may qualify? Click the button below to start your free benefits evaluation now.
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Lori Polemenakos is Director of Consumer Content and SEO strategist for LeadingResponse, a legal marketing company. An award-winning journalist, writer and editor based in Dallas, Texas, she's produced articles for major brands such as Match.com, Yahoo!, MSN, AOL, Xfinity, Mail.com, and edited several published books. Since 2016, she's published hundreds of articles about Social Security disability, workers' compensation, veterans' benefits, personal injury, mass tort, auto accident claims, bankruptcy, employment law and other related legal issues.