what to expect

• HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?  

It takes several months from date of application to get a disability determination in the Chicagoland area. If your claim is denied and a hearing is required, it may take 2 ½ to 3 years to have your case heard by a judge.

• WHEN WOULD BENEFITS BEGIN? 

There is a five month waiting period (five full calendar months) after disability onset before any SSDI, or DIB (disability insurance), benefits are payable. If fully approved for the period 18 months or longer prior to application, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits will be payable for 12 months prior to application.

SSI benefits are payable back to the month of application if you are financially eligible. There are no SSI benefits payable prior to the date of application.

• WHAT BANK ACCOUNT SHOULD I USE?  

We recommend that you should set up a separate bank account for your Social Security funds. Do not put any other funds in this account. Give SSA your account information when you apply, or bring SSA a deposit ticket or cancelled check from this account to set up direct deposit of your SSA checks.

• WORKER’S COMP?  

Be sure to tell your Spector & Lenz, P.C., attorney if you have a pending worker's compensation claim or if you have settled a worker’s compensation claim. Receipt of worker’s compensation – either by periodic payment or by settlement – may affect the amount of your disability benefits.