What is Covered in a Disability Award Letter?

Once you put in you disability benefits claim papers with the Social Security Administration, you need to wait for the award letter. This is the letter sent by the Social Security Administration informing you that you have qualified for the benefits you had claimed. In the event that your claim is denied, you will get a denial notification mail. In the event that your application for benefits has been denied, you need to appeal the decision. Contact a competent lawyer to help you do that. The award letter carries three main pieces of information: date of entitlement, monthly amount and date of receipt.

Date of Entitlement

This is the date from which your disability has been established. You will receive back payments of benefits from this date onward. In other words, your disability benefits entitlement starts from this date. You might need to follow up with the Social Security Administration for the arrears from this date.

Monthly Amount

The next crucial piece of information will be the monthly amount you have been awarded as benefits. This is the sum you will receive each month as long as your disability lasts. Make a note of this amount to check against actual payments.

Date of Receipt

This is the date when you can expect to receive your first disability benefit amount. 

When Will You Receive the Award Letter?

The Social Security Administration is a complex organization with many levels. Moreover, payments are processed by the regional offices. This means that there is no clear time frame for receiving the award letter. Some people even begin receiving their disability payments before the award letter arrives. In some cases, the reverse is true. You or your representative needs to keep following up your case with the SSA to ensure that you get the award letter as soon as possible.

What Next?

Once you get the award letter, take it to a competent lawyer who will interpret the legal language for you. This is essential as the lawyer will be able to point out any errors in the award letter. These errors can then be rectified. Most laymen cannot understand the language used by the SSA in the award letter. Hence, it is best to keep in touch with your lawyer until they vet the award letter for you. If you had retained a lawyer to file your application, it is essential to inform them of the fact that you have received the award letter. Ask your lawyer to “interpret’’ the award letter for you and ensure that you understand all the implications of the award letter.