Once people apply for Social Security Disability benefits there can be a lot of anxiety as they wait for a decision. People might not even know how they will be notified about whether they were approved or denied.
Below, learn how applicants may be notified about a decision on benefits. If you have any questions about this process, do not hesitate to reach out to a licensed Harrisburg Social Security Disability lawyer at Schmidt Kramer.
Receiving a Letter or Call
If your application is approved, you will receive a letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA) explaining this information to you. The letter should have a heading that says Social Security Administration and say what type of notice it is. For example, the top of the letter may state:
Social Security Administration
Supplemental Security Income
Notice of Change in Payment
The agency’s phone number and local office address will also be included on the letter.
The letter should state the following, some of this depends on the specifics of your claim:
- The purpose of the letter
- The decision the SSA made and the reasoning for it
- The actions the SSA plans to take
- Starting date of payment
- Change in benefit status
- Change of benefit amount
- Any required action on your part
- Details about what to do if you do not agree with the decision
- Contact methods to reach the SSA
- An explanation of your rights and responsibilities
You may receive the letter up to two weeks after you received a direct deposit of benefits in your bank account, if you provided banking information to the SSA with your application.
If you are blind or visually impaired, you may receive a letter and a follow-up phone call by the SSA. You could also be called to begin an application for your children, indicating that your disability claim has been approved.
If you do not understand the notice, you can contact the SSA for more information.
Check Your Bank Account
If you gave the SSA your banking information, you will usually receive benefits in your bank account before you receive the approval letter. For many people, an unexpected deposit is the first sign that their application has been approved. If it is time for a decision in your case, keep an eye on your bank account.
If you are not sure about the deposit, you can contact the SSA to get additional details, such as the explanation of the deposit. If you want to wait for an explanation and do not want to call the SSA directly, you can wait for the approval letter for more details.
What to Do If You Were Denied Benefits
If the letter you receive is a denial rather than an approval, read over the notice carefully. It will indicate why you were denied for benefits. If you disagree with this finding, your attorney can appeal the decision.
The first step of an appeal is typically filing a Request for Reconsideration. Your attorney must file this request within 60 days of receiving the denial letter. The 60-day time limit begins the day you receive the letter. The SSA may permit an appeal after the 60 days, but only for good reason. It is a good idea to discuss your options with a disability lawyer.
Call an Experienced Lawyer to Discuss Your Claim
If you have questions about communication you received from the SSA, or would like to appeal an unfavorable decision, the experienced attorneys at Schmidt Kramer may be able to assist you. We have extensive knowledgeable about all aspects of Social Security Disability benefits.
We work on a contingency fee basis and only get paid if we help you recover benefits.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case review. Call (717) 888-8888.