The Social Security Disability Five Month Waiting PeriodSocial Security Disability requires a five month waiting period beginning with the month following the month that an individual became unable to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA) or work activity. For example, if a person become disabled on 06/11/2018 their five month waiting period will last through 11/30/2018. They will actually be entitled to their monthly Social Security Disability benefits beginning 12/18. Does an individual have to necessarily wait for five months after being given a Social Security Disability award notice before they can begin receiving disability benefits? No, and that is because the five month waiting period may have already been 'served' if a person's onset date is set far enough back and particularly if the case has 'dragged on' for many months, or perhaps years. Determining a person's onset date can have a major effect on A) whether or not they are required to lose their first five months of benefits, B) whether or not they will have to wait to receive coverage under medicare, and C) how much back pay they may receive. A claimant's onset date will be determined solely on the existence of medical records that document that the individual was, in fact, disabled as of a certain date. This is why disability representatives (meaning a claimant's disability representative or an attorney) typically seek to establish the most favorable onset date possible by seeking older as well as newer records. It is also why claimants who fail to file their appeals on time and then later reapply disadvantage themselves: by starting over with a new filing date, they potentially lose thousands of dollars in back pay. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: How far back are Social Security Disability benefits awarded on an appeal? How long will it take to start getting disability benefits after an award notice? Receiving a Social Security Disability Award Letter The SSI Award Letter from Social Security The Social Security Award Notice after Disability Benefits are Awarded When Do You Get A Social Security Disability Award Letter And What Does It Say? The Social Security Disability Five Month Waiting Period Check Amount on Social Security Disability Award Letter What conditions do they Award Disability Benefits for? You Cannot get a Social Security Disability or SSI Award if you don't Provide SSA what they need How Much Do You Get For Disability If You Are Awarded Benefits? Does Your Last Job Determine If You Receive A Social Security or SSI Award? Can Social Security Disability Benefits Be Awarded Quickly? The Social Security Disability award notice process in North Carolina How is Social Security Disability and SSI Awarded? |
