When you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (SSDI), you are automatically eligible for a number of forms of assistance.
For starters, you are immediately eligible for monthly cash benefits. These disability benefits will be in the form of checks that you receive every month. The amount will depend on a number of factors, including the amount that you have contributed in taxes to the Social Security system, as well as your work history.
A Social Security disability beneficiary will also become eligible for Medicare benefits. This eligibility will kick in two years after you become eligible to receive disability benefits.
Your dependents may also become eligible for Social Security disability insurance benefits when you qualify for these benefits. Your family members, including your spouse, children, and even ex-spouse may qualify for benefits. Determining which of your family members may become entitled to disability insurance benefits because of your eligibility can be complicated. Talking to an experienced disability lawyer about whether or not your dependents can qualify for benefits is often very helpful.
As a Social Security beneficiary, you may also become eligible to receive back payments that you are owed. These are typically paid in a lump sum, and are generally dated back to the time that you filed the application. Many people are not prepared for the amount of back payments that they can actually receive – the amount is often substantial. It is important to remember that Social Security Administration (SSA) can take months and even years to process a disability claim, and the benefits accumulated during this period of time will be credited to you should you win your case.