Your disability may have gotten to a point where it is so physically, mentally, or emotionally taxing that you can no longer retain and maintain gainful employment activity. So without having a steady income stream with a job, you may require some other financial assistance sooner rather than later. Specifically, you may need Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. With this, though, you must understand that the Social Security Administration (SSA) imposes a certain waiting period until you can finally obtain this relief. So please continue reading to learn how long it takes to receive SSDI benefits and how an experienced New Jersey SSDI attorney at The Law Offices of Sheryl Gandel Mazur can work to ensure you do not have to wait longer than anticipated.
How long does it take until I can receive SSDI benefits?
Of note, the SSA generally sets a five-month waiting period before it gives out your first SSDI benefits payment. In other words, you may receive your first payment on the sixth full month since your disability onset date.
For example, say that your determined disability onset date was August 1, 2024. Then, you may receive your first payment on January 1, 2025, so long as the SSA approves your application in the first place. However, say that your onset date was in the middle of the month on August 15, 2024. Well, the SSA may not recognize partial months. This may mean you will not be sent your first payment until February 1, 2025.
What can I do to ensure I do not have to wait longer than anticipated?
You may be unlucky in that the regional SSA hearing operations office where your application is sent receives an influx of other applications. With such a heavy workload, it may take longer than the standard five months for them to process and approve your application and subsequently schedule your first payment.
Unfortunately, this is a circumstance beyond your reasonable control. But there are other initiatives you may take to ensure that you do not have to wait longer to receive benefits than anticipated. More specific examples read as follows:
- You should ensure that every section of your initial SSDI benefits application is filled out fully, clearly, and truthfully.
- You should supplement your initial SSDI benefits application with the right medical and employment history evidence.
- You should schedule your mandatory medical examination with an SSA-approved physician as soon as possible.
- You should respond to any follow-up questions the SSA asks when reviewing your claim as soon as possible.
At the end of the day, we strongly encourage you to retain the services of a skilled New Jersey SSDI attorney. You may do so by scheduling a free initial consultation with The Law Offices of Sheryl Gandel Mazur today.
