How long does it take to get Social Security Disability benefits after a hearing?

After waiting many, many months for a hearing, most claimants are disappointed to hear that it can take several months after the hearing to received their benefits.

In Florida, most judges take between 1-3 months to issue their written decision. If it is a favorable decision, the case is then sent to the payment processing center, where it can take another 1-3 months for benefits to be issued. Sometimes, Social Security will begin issuing monthly benefits but is not able to release the back payments for several more months while they investigate if the claimant received any Supplemental Security Income benefits. If you have a claim for Supplemental Security Income benefits, you will have to call or go to your local Social Security office for an appointment before your benefits can be released.

While there are no rules requiring that Social Security release your benefit within a certain amount of time, if you have not received your benefits 60 days after your hearing, you should call your local Social Security office or your disability lawyer for assistance.

Copyright (c) 2010 by John V. Tucker and Tucker & Ludin, P.A. All rights reserved. For assistance with your Long Term Disability claim, ERISA Disability benefit claim, Social Security Disability claim, or Veterans Disability compensation or pension claim, call Disability Lawyer John Tucker at (866) 282-5260.

Are My Disability Insurance Benefits Taxable?

Are my Short Term or Long Term disability insurance benefits taxable? As a general rule,

• If your employer paid the premium, then your disability insurance benefits are taxable.
• If you paid the premium using after-tax dollars, then your benefit is not taxable.
• If you paid only a portion of the premium using after tax dollars while your employer paid the rest of the premium, then the benefit is taxed proportionally.

If you need further information, you should seek and rely on tax advice from a professional accountant, tax preparer, or tax attorney concerning any tax matters.

Copyright (c) 2010 by John V. Tucker and Tucker & Ludin, P.A. All rights reserved. For assistance with your Long Term Disability claim, ERISA Disability benefit claim, Social Security Disability claim, or Veterans Disability compensation or pension claim, call Disability Lawyer John Tucker at (866) 282-5260.

Reimbursing the County for Financial Assistance

Many people need financial assistance while waiting for their disability benefits. You can click here for a list of resources that may help you while waiting for your money to come in.

However, be aware that if you receive assistance from the county to pay for rent, food, or medical assistance, you may be required to pay back some or all of the money if your benefits are approved. That means that you will not get the large lump sum payment that you might be expecting. Before agreeing to any assistance, make sure to ask if you will be required to reimburse the county or organization and carefully read all of the paperwork before you sign it, or you may end up with a not so pleasant surprise.

Copyright (c) 2010 by John V. Tucker and Tucker & Ludin, P.A. All rights reserved. For assistance with your Long Term Disability claim, ERISA Disability benefit claim, Social Security Disability claim, or Veterans Disability compensation or pension claim, call Disability Lawyer John Tucker at (866) 282-5260.