This is one of my favorite questions to answer. I like it because it’s straightforward and more importantly, it’s good news! Once you are approved for Social Security Disability benefits or Adult Supplemental Security Income benefits, your benefits are paid for life! SSD and Adult SSI benefits are considered permanent disability benefits, therefore, they continue for life. Once a person reaches their full retirement age, the benefit continues at the same rate, but they are renamed “retirement benefits”.
I should also note that both SSD and SSI benefits are paid retroactively back to the date that you became disabled. There are very complicated rules in terms of determining how far back a claim can go. We often change the onset date (or date a person became disabled) when taking on a case because oftentimes folks do not realize that they are entitled to additional back benefits.
Back benefits are paid all at once, in a lump sum to folks who qualify for SSD benefits. They are paid in several installments for folks that qualify for SSI benefits. Therefore, it’s not uncommon for our clients to receive $40,000 or $50,000 in back benefits once we win their cases.
With that said, there are a couple of things to add to this discussion. Depending upon your disability, age and work status, you may be periodically reviewed by the SSA in order to determine if you are still disabled. These reviews can be anywhere from six months after your award to several years after your award.
Upon review of some of your updated medical records (or lack thereof), the SSA may determine that your condition has improved and thus find that you are no longer disabled. If you receive notice of a decision like this, call our office as soon as possible. The SSA reports that 72% of all review requests result in a denial for ongoing benefits, therefore make sure you have an expert there to protect your rights. We serve all of Solano County, including Vacaville, Fairfield, Vallejo and surrounding areas. We can help you compile the evidence and prepare the necessary arguments to demonstrate that you remain disabled. These reviews can involve a hearing with a hearing officer and several other complicated procedures and steps. Therefore, we always recommend that you let an expert prepare your case and protect your benefits.