Receive Your Approval Notice

Once your disability claim is approved, you will receive an official approval notice from the Social Security Administration (SSA). This notice will include important details about your disability benefits, including:

• The Date Your Benefits Begin: Your benefits will typically start from the date of your disability or when your application was filed, depending on your circumstances. For SSDI, benefits may also be subject to a waiting period, usually five months after your disability date.
• Benefit Amount: The notice will detail how much you will receive each month, which is based on your work history (for SSDI) or financial need (for SSI).
• Payment Schedule: The SSA will also provide information about when and how your benefits will be paid. Typically, payments are made monthly either through direct deposit or to a direct express card.

Start Receiving Your Payments

Once approved, your disability benefits will begin to be paid monthly. The SSA will determine your payment schedule based on your date of birth or the date your disability began. Keep in mind:

• SSDI Payments: These are typically paid on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of the month, depending on your birth date.
• SSI Payments: SSI payments are usually made on the first of the month, although they may vary if the first day of the month falls on a weekend or holiday.

Understand Your Payment Amount

The amount you receive will be based on different factors:

• For SSDI: Your monthly benefit is based on your average lifetime earnings prior to becoming disabled. You should have received a notice of your benefit amount when you were approved. The SSA calculates your benefit amount by using your work credits and earnings record.
• For SSI: This is based on financial need, with the SSA determining the benefit amount based on your income and resources. The maximum SSI payment changes annually and is adjusted for cost-of-living (COLA).

If your financial situation changes (for example, if you get married or receive income from another source), your benefit amount may change as well, so be sure to report these changes to the SSA.

Medicare or Medicaid Coverage

Once you’re approved for disability benefits, you may qualify for health insurance coverage:

• Medicare: If you are approved for SSDI, you’ll typically qualify for Medicare after 24 months of receiving benefits. Medicare is a federal health insurance program that provides coverage for hospital care, outpatient care, and prescription drugs.
• Medicaid: If you are approved for SSI, you may qualify for Medicaid, which is a state and federal program that provides health coverage, often with little or no cost, depending on the state in which you live. Eligibility for Medicaid is determined by your income and assets, so make sure to check your state’s specific rules.

Continue Regular Medical Monitoring

The SSA requires ongoing medical evaluations for some recipients of disability benefits to ensure they still meet the criteria for disability. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

• Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs): The SSA periodically reviews the status of your disability. These reviews can happen every 3 to 7 years, depending on the severity of your condition. If your condition improves, your benefits may be reduced or discontinued.
• Reporting Changes: It’s important to report any changes in your condition to the SSA, especially if your disability improves or if you return to work. Failure to report changes can result in overpayments, which you’ll be required to repay.
• Medical Evidence: Keep your medical records up-to-date to ensure you have documentation supporting your continuing eligibility for benefits.

Work and Earnings Limits (SSDI)

If you receive SSDI benefits, the SSA has strict rules about substantial gainful activity (SGA). SGA refers to the level of earnings the SSA considers indicative of being able to work. Here’s what you need to know:

• Trial Work Period (TWP): If you attempt to return to work, you can test your ability to work without losing your SSDI benefits immediately. You’re allowed a Trial Work Period of 9 months (not necessarily consecutive) during which you can earn a certain amount of money and still receive full SSDI benefits.
• Substantial Gainful Activity: After the Trial Work Period ends, if you earn more than the monthly SGA limit (which changes annually), your SSDI benefits may be reduced or terminated. For 2025, the SGA limit is $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,460 for blind individuals.

Appeal a Denial of Benefits (If Applicable)

If your benefits were denied or you disagree with your disability decision, you have the right to appeal. There are several steps in the appeals process:

• Reconsideration: The SSA will review your case again if you request reconsideration.
• Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ): If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing with an ALJ to present your case in person.
• Appeals Council: If the ALJ denies your claim, you can request a review from the Appeals Council.
• Federal Court: If the Appeals Council denies your claim, you can file a lawsuit in federal court.