Receiving approval for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) represents a significant milestone. After months or years of navigating the SSDI application process, you finally have confirmation that Social Security recognizes your disability. However, approval marks the beginning of a new phase that comes with important timelines, requirements, and next steps you need to understand. The team at Hankey Marks & Crider helps Indiana residents navigate post-approval SSDI matters, from understanding your award letter to addressing continuing disability reviews and overpayment issues. If you live in Indiana and have recently received SSDI approval, this guide walks you through what happens next.
Understanding Your Notice of Award
Your first official communication after approval arrives as a Notice of Award letter. This document contains critical information about your benefits and serves as your official record of approval. According to the Social Security Administration, your Notice of Award is the official notification of your eligibility.
Your Notice of Award includes:
- Your onset date – The date Social Security determined your disability began
- Your monthly benefit amount – The exact dollar amount you receive each month
- Your back pay amount – The total lump sum for benefits owed from your onset date through the approval date
- Your effective date – When your monthly benefits officially begin
- Your representative’s fee (if applicable) – The amount Social Security will deduct from your back pay for attorney fees
Review your Notice of Award carefully and verify that all dates and amounts are accurate. If you spot errors, contact your local Social Security office immediately. Keep multiple copies in a safe location. Our experienced SSDI attorneys can help you understand what your award letter means for your future benefits.
The 5-Month Waiting Period Explained
One of the most important timelines to understand is the mandatory 5-month waiting period. This period begins on your disability onset date, not your approval date. According to federal disability regulations, this waiting period is a standard requirement for all SSDI beneficiaries.
Social Security calculates your onset date based on medical evidence showing when your condition prevented you from working. From that onset date, you must wait five full months before your SSDI benefits begin. This means even if you receive approval quickly, your first payment won’t arrive until this waiting period expires.
Important exception: If you have ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), Social Security waives the 5-month waiting period. ALS beneficiaries receive benefits immediately upon approval. This special provision recognizes the severity and rapid progression of this condition.
When Will You Receive Your First Payment?
After your 5-month waiting period ends, Social Security processes your payment. Processing typically takes 30 to 120 days after your approval. The Social Security Administration’s payment processing guide provides detailed information about payment timelines.
Several factors affect processing speed:
- Case complexity – Simple cases process faster than complex cases involving multiple conditions
- Offsets – Workers’ compensation, unemployment benefits, or other government payments require offset calculations
- SSDI vs. SSI – SSDI processes through regional payment centers and typically takes longer than SSI
- Holiday schedules – December processing may experience delays
To speed up the process, ensure your contact information and direct deposit details are current with Social Security. Our team at Hankey Marks & Crider can help you navigate the payment process and address any delays. You can see the difference our representation makes by exploring our client reviews.
Back Pay and Lump Sum Payments
Your back pay represents the total SSDI benefits owed from your onset date through your approval date. This lump sum arrives separately from your regular monthly payments. Understanding how back pay calculations work is essential for financial planning.
Social Security multiplies your monthly benefit amount by the number of months between your Date of Entitlement and the month before your benefits officially begin. The Date of Entitlement is calculated as your established onset date plus five full calendar months (the mandatory waiting period). Social Security generally can only pay up to 12 months of retroactive benefits before your application date. For example, if your established onset date was January 2023, your five-month waiting period ends May 2023, and your entitlement begins June 2023. If your approval came in October 2025, your back pay would cover the period you were eligible for benefits, subject to the 12-month retroactive limit.
Important tax consideration: Social Security disability benefits, including monthly payments and any lump-sum back pay, may be taxable depending on your total income for the year. You receive a Form SSA-1099 reporting the amount of benefits paid. The IRS allows a special calculation for lump-sum back pay that may reduce the tax owed. Consult a tax professional or review IRS guidance on SSDI taxation to understand your tax obligations.
If you have an attorney representing you, Social Security deducts the approved attorney fee from your back pay before sending you the remaining amount. Our SSDI attorneys work on a fee-based arrangement approved by Social Security.
Continuing Disability Reviews: What to Expect
After approval, Social Security conducts periodic Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) to ensure you remain disabled and continue meeting eligibility requirements. According to Social Security’s CDR procedures, these reviews are a standard part of maintaining your benefits.
During a CDR, Social Security requests updated medical evidence. You must provide current treatment records, test results, and information about your condition’s status. Social Security uses this information to determine whether your condition has improved enough that you can return to work. Missing a CDR deadline can result in benefit termination, so it’s critical to respond promptly.
How Often Will Social Security Review Your Case?
Review frequency depends on the likelihood of medical improvement:
- 6–18 months – For conditions likely to improve
- About every 3 years – For conditions where improvement is possible
- Every 5–7 years – For conditions not expected to improve
Your Notice of Award indicates when Social Security expects your first review. Missing a CDR can result in benefit termination, so respond promptly to any requests for medical information. If you’re facing a continuing disability review, our experienced team can help you prepare.
Important Changes You Must Report
Your SSDI benefits depend on your continued disability and your work status. You must report certain changes to Social Security immediately to avoid overpayments and benefit termination:
- Work and earnings – Report any work, even part-time. Social Security has work incentive programs that may allow you to continue receiving benefits while working
- Medical improvements – Report significant improvements in your condition
- Marriage or divorce – These changes may affect auxiliary benefits for family members
- Address or contact information changes – Keep Social Security updated
- Changes in living arrangements – Report changes in household composition
- Other changes that can affect SSDI include incarceration, leaving the country for over 30 days, or changes to your direct deposit or representative payee information
Failing to report changes can result in overpayments, which Social Security will demand you repay. If you’ve received an overpayment notice, our SSDI specialists can help you understand your options.
Medicare Eligibility After 24 Months
After receiving SSDI benefits for 24 consecutive months, you automatically become eligible for Medicare. This represents a major benefit of SSDI that many beneficiaries overlook. The Medicare.gov website provides comprehensive information about your coverage options.
Your Medicare coverage includes:
- Part A – Hospital insurance covering inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, and hospice services
- Part B – Medical insurance covering doctor visits, outpatient services, and medical equipment
You pay premiums for Part B coverage, typically deducted from your SSDI payment. Part A has no premium for most beneficiaries. Medicare begins the first day of the month you become eligible. Understanding your Medicare benefits as an SSDI recipient is important for managing your healthcare costs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Post-Approval SSDI
Can I return to work after SSDI approval?
Yes. SSDI includes work incentive programs designed to help beneficiaries return to work gradually. In 2024, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) amount is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals. You may be able to work and continue receiving benefits through programs like the Trial Work Period and Extended Eligibility Period, which allow limited work while still qualifying for SSDI. The Social Security work incentives program provides detailed information about how earnings affect benefits. Our team can help you understand how working while receiving SSDI benefits affects your case.
What happens if I receive an overpayment notice?
An overpayment occurs when Social Security determines you received more benefits than you were entitled to receive. This might happen if you failed to report work, if your medical condition improved, or due to an administrative error. Social Security will demand repayment. You have the right to request a waiver of overpayment if you can show you weren’t at fault and repayment would cause financial hardship. Our overpayment specialists can help you navigate this process.
Do I need to pay taxes on my SSDI benefits?
Your regular monthly SSDI benefits are generally not taxable. However, if you have substantial other income, up to 85% of your benefits may become taxable. Your back pay lump sum is always taxable. According to the IRS guidelines on SSDI taxation, you should consult a tax professional to understand your specific tax situation.
How do I update my information with Social Security?
You can update your contact information, direct deposit details, and other information through your my Social Security account at ssa.gov, by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local field office in person. Keeping your information current ensures you receive all important notices and payments on time.
Get Help With Your Post-Approval SSDI Matters
Navigating life after SSDI approval involves important deadlines and requirements. Whether you’re facing a continuing disability review, received an overpayment notice, or have questions about your benefits, the experienced team at Hankey Marks & Crider can provide guidance. We help Indiana residents understand their rights and responsibilities after approval. Contact our team today at (317) 634-8565 for a consultation about your SSDI benefits and next steps.