Jonathan answers two questions about the Social Security disability process.

1. How do you know how much in retroactive benefits you will recover? Example: Tom applies for SSDI benefits in March, 2006, alleging that his disability began in April, 2004. Tom has a hearing in July, 2007 and wins. If the Judge accepts his argument about the April, 2004 onset date, how much will he get in past due benefits? a. At most, Tom can only get paid past due benefits for one year prior to his application date. Therefore, Tom gets past due benefits from March, 2005 through July, 2007. Starting in August, 2007, he will get on-going benefits. b. There is a five month waiting period that applies as of the onset date. Here, the five full month period starts in May, 2004 through September, 2004. Therefore, Tom gets the full March, 2005 through July, 2007 past due benefit. c. If the Judge found that Tom’s disability began on February 12, 2005, the five month waiting period begins in March through July, 2005. Tom’s past due benefit runs from August, 2005 through July, 2007.

2. What does the Judge do after your hearing and what are your options if you lose? a. The Judge may issue an abbreviated “bench decision” finding in your favor. b. The Judge may send the case to a “writer” for a full decision – this can take one to six months or longer. c. If you receive an unfavorable or partially favorable decision and want to appeal, you must file your appeal to the Appeals Council within 60 days after receipt of the decision.