For as long as I can remember, the legal field has always fascinated me. While my friends watched sitcoms and cartoons, I chose to watch courtroom dramas and real life trials unfold. There was never really any question as to what I wanted to be when I got older. The only profession for me was that of a trial lawyer. Unfortunately, a serious car accident several years ago changed all that. Now, my injuries prevent me from leaving my home most days. However, my love for the law has never went away. While I may not be able to realize my dreams of becoming a trail lawyer, I still wish to help people with their legal problems. That is why I decided to start this blog. It is my hope that the information contained in these pages will help other accident victims like me when filing their personal injury claims.
If you are disabled and plan to file for social security disability benefits, you probably already know that you will get monthly social security checks if you're approved. What you may not know is that you could be eligible for more than just future compensation: You may also be able to get past-due benefits, also called backpay benefits. While every situation is unique, it is worth investigating whether you qualify to get the backpay social security benefits described below.
Why Don't People Get Past-Due Benefits?
Many people who become disabled aren't even aware that they are eligible for social security disability benefits, let alone backpay benefits, and they don't file for their benefits right away. Others may apply for their benefits, but don't get their money - past or current - because the initial application was denied.
It is very helpful to work with a disability lawyer if you are uncertain if you're eligible, or if your first application was turned down. You'll never get any social security disability benefits at all - backpay or otherwise - if you don't apply. Your attorney can guide you through the process successfully.
Up to 70 percent of social security disability applications are denied on the first try, and many people give up after that denial. If you apply again, you'll be able to include past disability in the claim, even though you were turned down previously. In a second application, your attorney will include additional details and proof that will clearly demonstrate that you are entitled to social security disability benefits.
How Far Back Can Social Security Disability Benefits Reach?
According to the Social Security Disability laws, you can request backpay benefits for as much as a full year. The eligible period for backpay begins the day that you file for benefits. Therefore, if you were disabled for any period up to 12 months prior to the filing of your claim, you are eligible to receive backpay benefits for that period.
It is important to note that the date of filing does not change if you have to apply for your benefits more than once. If you file a social security disability claim and receive a denial, you may not file again for some time. However, your initial filing date remains constant. This filing date is what dictates your backpay eligibility period.
The process of filing for social security disability compensation is a complicated one, and if you are eligible for past-due benefits, it becomes even more involved. Call a local social security disability attorney to make sure you get all the backpay you deserve!
Share23 June 2015
