Our Los Angeles readers know that the application process for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits can take quite a bit of time to complete. First, there is the process of gather all of the documentation that the Social Security Administration (SSA) will need to review, as well as filling out the initial application. Then, once the initial application is submitted, it can take a few months for the SSA to complete the initial review process. From there, applicants can expect to either be approved or denied for SSD benefits.
But, if an applicant is approved, will that person receive SSD benefits to cover the months before that approval is finalized? Fortunately, the answer is “yes,” but only if the SSA determines that the applicant was suffering from the disability during the months prior to approval of the application. In fact, the SSA may award benefits for up to 12 months, prior to approval of the application.
This type of payment of benefits can be beneficial for an applicant for SSD benefits in Los Angeles. With all of the time it takes for the application process to be completed, an applicant may be facing tough financial situations by the time the application is approved. They may have been dealing with an inability to work for several months, potentially meaning no income for the family during that time.
Patience is a necessity when it comes to applying for SSD benefits. But, in many cases, patience pays off when an application for SSD benefits is approved.
Source: SSA.gov, “Can I get Social Security disability benefits for any months before I apply?,” accessed on Oct. 7, 2016
