Social Security Disability (SSD) claimants in California will undoubtedly have many questions and concerns about their benefits. One obvious question has to do with the payments, including when and how they are received. Understanding the rules regarding SSD benefits can avoid any confusion. When receiving disability for an injury, illness or condition, the payments will not start until the disability has lasted for a minimum of five months. At the sixth month, the payments will begin. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will inform the claimant as to how much will be paid and when the payments will start.
The payments will last as long as the issue that led to the approval by the SSA continues. That means that the claimant cannot work and the medical problems have not gotten any better. In some instances, the injured person does not improve, even with treatment. In others, however, the improved treatment techniques that are used can help many claimants improve enough to return to normal functioning. The case will be reviewed on a periodic basis to determine whether the benefits should continue. The claimant must inform the SSA if there is any change in condition, whether it is an improvement or a decline.
Those who disagree with any decision made by the SSA can protest and file an appeal. That must be delivered in writing to the Social Security office within 60 days of the date the letter detailing the decision was received. Benefits will be paid on a monthly basis. The day in which they are received is frequently contingent on birth dates. Payments are made via check, through Direct Deposit, through the Direct Express card program or via Electric Transfer. In some instances, claimants might receive payments they are not supposed to receive or receive an excess of their payments. This must be rectified by voiding the check and informing the SSA.
In some instances, taxes must be paid on SSD benefits. An individual who has an income of more than $25,000, a person who files jointly and the combined income is more than $32,000 and if there are separate returns filed for married couples, taxes will probably have to be paid. Those who are receiving Social Security Disability or are seeking SSD benefits need to understand these details that are often overlooked. Assistance from a legal professional can be of enormous value.
Source: SSA.gov, “What You Need To Know When You Get Social Security Disability Benefits, pages 4-7,” accessed on Aug. 17, 2015
