Back Pay???

[Georg]

After calling the 800 number I was told my back pay is in the reviewers office - I think that's the right word - of the payment center. Anyway, they said that the amount is calculated they only have to figure if it is correct. Does anyone know how long it will stay in that office and then deposited??

[cindybear]

Hi, I would stay away from that 800 number...I was told by the congress lady that every time I called that number and asked Questions..It added more work , which added more time for my money to get to me..plus they don't know a thing, that your people at your nearest local SS place can tell ya. I was told, I don't know how true, but a person should get there back pay , around 6 weeks after there first check...The norm...But I had all kinds of problems from someone with my same name and birth date but lived un a different state, but was in prison...They was not gonna give me that money, no way....Until I proved I wasn't that person...Talk about being giulty before innocent...Thats what most of my hold up was...They was not gonna give up monies to someone in prison..Hello, I'm not that person and never was in trouble in my life....So , If a fair time has gone by,,And you haven't got your backpay...I would call your local congress person..They do help,,Like she said, I know your not that person cause I'm talking to you !! More than what Maryland did,,,They just held the monies and made me guilty !!! Good luck, Hugs, Cindy

[crunched]

It's strange how different offices handle things.. I guess it depends a lot on case loads... but I had my ALJ review the last part of September, received my fully favorable in October, and then received my backpay on my birthday in November - and the award letter came 1 week later.... I was pretty scared that it was going to take a long time.. but it worked out well...

but as far as making calls to SS, I would avoid it like the devil... everytime you talk to someone, they take your file (in the computer) and assign it to themselves while they work on it - this takes it away from the person who would have been working on it, to get things done.. I had it explained to me while I was filing for my kids... that until the worker released it, no one else could touch it... and most of the time, they will not call to get it released.. they just check it every day... The gal that was helping me said " The more you call, the longer it takes"

[wvman]

I was just wondering if someone can tell me how far back, I can receive back pay for? I heard 12 months? Is this true?:confused:

[tobeblessed]

I was just wondering if someone can tell me how far back, I can receive back pay for? I heard 12 months? Is this true?:confused:

They backdated mine by about 2.5 years; this was in 1998.

[feederband]

I was just wondering if someone can tell me how far back, I can receive back pay for? I heard 12 months? Is this true?:confused:
Sometimes it can go 12 months back from when you applied..Mine will be from May 2005

[Pookie]

I was just wondering if someone can tell me how far back, I can receive back pay for? I heard 12 months? Is this true?:confused:
Mine was 3.5 years & that is not counting the 5 months they witheld! :D

[wvman]

Thanks to everyone, who answered my question about how far my back pay goes.

Now my next question?
I have a disability lawyer handling my case. I was told by my SS Office my case (back pay)is at the payment center, my disability lawyer knows this as well. It has been 64 days.And it seems like my lawyer is in no hurry.
Does anyone know, how long it normally takes to get your back pay, after being told it was sent to the payment center for calculation?

[Vikingned]

From what I've been told, it can differ from State to State.

But a good friend of mine, who is from CT, told me it took 6 weeks once he recieved his fully favorable letter to seeing his first monthly check, and it was another 4 weeks after that he recieved all his back pay. Almost 2 years worth, which for him was around $28,000

Don't feel alone, I'm also in the waiting stage now myself. 5 weeks and still waiting, since being found fully favorable, after a 3 year strugle..

Ned

[ingelein]

Im still waiting for my backpay too, its been 60 days since my fully favorable approval letter. They say they are withholding the backpay until they pay the lawyer his $5,300. The lawyer has 15 days from the day you get the letter about the lawyer fee( mine was dated June 25th) to dispute it, if no one disputes it , then the backpay should be forthcoming, I HOPE. I received my first monthly payment July 3rd. SS changed the payment date from the third Wednesday of the month to the third of the month. Anybody know why they do this? Could it be because I am due some SSI backpay, even though I now am not eligable for SSI due to my SSDI being above the state limit? Well, I am still waiting for my SSI and SSDI backpay, not a penny of it yet.

[redwind202]

I had a very long wait..
12/07 received approval letter
1/08 received first check
3/08 Attorney received payment
5/08 I received back pay. But it was for much less than they said it would be. So for the past two months I have been trying to get an answer to THIS issue!


It did me no good to call the 800 number or the local office. They all had the same "answer" whcih was "I don't know". I have no idea why it took them 5 months to deposit a check.

It would make everyone's life much simplier if they would put something on their website, or inform their employees, as to what steps are involved in the retro payment process.
Hope things go better for you than they did for me.

[meerkatslvr]

My Fully favorable decision was dated April 28th, 2008. That was 11 days after the hearing.

I had been waiting for my closed period back pay since then, but in June 23rd (if I remember correctly) I got a call from the SSI office and the man told me I was awarded SSI which, even though I had applied for it, I wasn't sure I would get. He was really nice. I explained my situation at the time and he told me he would help me by sending me an advance and to expect it in another three days. Since my bank make deposits available to clients the day before it's due to be posted, my money was in on Wednesday. I was floored and ecstatic.

Now, as far as the SSDI back pay, it's been like watching molasses run down. SSSSSSLLLLLLOOOOOWWWWWW. I have been bugging the heck out of the 800 operators and my local office. Finally today I was told that the award letter was to go out on the 20th (Sunday??). Since I've heard in the past that the money is usually in your account before the letter is received, I will ASSume my money will be in hopefully this coming week. I CAN'T WAIT (neither do my creditors, LOL). I was also told that the amount received for SSI may be offset from my SSDI payment. It's all good to me. I will still be happy and relieved to be able to get my life AND finances back together. :D

[peaches]

I have been bugging the heck out of the 800 operators and my local office.

Payment center employees (benefit authorizers, claims authorizers) generally are the ones who take the actions on your SSDI claims. Teleservice representatives answer the phones. However, in SSA, work gets shifted around frequently. In field offices, managers answer the phones, technical experts complete benefit verifications that can usually be done by trainees. In the payment center, the BA's are pulled from their claims work to SPIKE and answer the overflowing teleservice phones. So, when you call the TSC over and over and over, you are actually contributing to the delay in the work getting done on getting your claim finished because the BA who should be working on your case is answering the phone call of someone else. When you call your local office over and over and over, you are contributing to the delay in getting work done.

Calling every day is not just ineffective; you add more time to the backlog.

Ask for a reasonable time frame and do what you can to be patient.

[MomofTwins28]

Just reading that really bugged me. I'm not intending this post to be a personal attack but peaches we know you work for SSA and it must be frustrating to constantly read how people are so displeased with the service...or the lack thereof received. I've had yet to see where anyone is saying that the good ole' folks at the SSA offices are NOT busy, but still I know that maybe calling and asking about a claim might get something done. It's so annoying when you are told a time frame to receive your benefits, you wait and wait and that time comes and goes, and several months on top of that time frame comes and goes and still no payment...yt you're just supposed to be patient? That's not only crazy, its absurd. The landlord will not wait, the utility company will not wait, and hey, it's not our fault we are not awarded benefits on the first go 'round. Someone obviously dropped the ball yet no one wants to admit it, they just want to claim they are too busy to find out. What's worse is when you call the local congress person and THEY are allowed to make a call or two and you get your benefits almost immediately after that. That proves to me it's all in who you know and, if they wanted too, the benefits would be distributed a whole lot sooner than quoted.

[peaches]

Calling every day, several times a day is ineffective and takes time away from employees getting work finished.

When you last had a job, did your work get done faster or better when someone was frequently interrupting you to ask if you were finished? When your children sit in the back seat of the car asking "Are we there yet?" over and over, does it get you to your destination faster? Do you pay your utility bills faster if you get daily phone calls and bills?

I said that a person should ask for a reasonable time frame and not follow up until after that. The previous poster said he was "bugging the heck out of the 800# and his local office". His words. Multiply that times the thousands, tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands of claimants waiting for decisions.

It is horribly frustrating and demoralizing to all SSA employees that we cannot get our work done in a reasonable amount of time. I frequently don't act onl my mail for weeks at a time. Too busy taking care of people who come in the office and returning phone calls and working on the cases my supervisor considers a priority. Worrying about it wakes me up at night, and my job should not be doing that to me so I have to let it go.

[meerkatslvr]

Peaches, for starters I'm a she and whereas I appreciate your contributions to this forum, I'm entitled to my opinion.

I agree wholeheartedly with Momo. It's easy for someone who have had a job and a steady paycheck to get annoyed for the "extra" work placed on them by answering to someone else concerns. For FOUR long years I have had to do without and dodge creditors every which way I could. I lost my home, my car and almost my sanity. My patience has worn out and I think I'm entitled to be tired.

I call the SSA office just about every other day IF the person I speak to at the time don't care to look further or is totally dismissive of my concerns. One of the last times I called I was told to go to the local office and request emergency disbursement so I did, unsuccessfully. I have only been to the local office twice. When I called yesterday the lady was very nice and took the time to look. I was very satisfied with her response. I will wait next week for my money. If by Thursday I don't see any results I WILL call again. My creditors don't give a crap about my situation as much as I try to explain and it seems like some at the SSA don't either.

I understand your frustration Peaches, but whereas your frustration comes from answering one too many phone calls, ours comes from being treated as if we just one more annoying customer to take care of. If they were to give us straight and honest answers (like I have been given lately) I'm sure we can muster up a little bit more patience. Being chastised for it will only make us keep trying. Many of us have lost way too much and for so long...Now that I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel I'm going to run faster to get there ASAP and if it means pushing someone to achieve it, you bet I will! :p

[peaches]

Sorry about the gender confusion. There is no good pronoun.

The point I am trying to make here is that the agency has been understaffed for a long time. Answering phone calls and taking care of the walk-in traffic is a high priority. However, if staff is diverted from processing claims to answering the phone, the claims processing stops. Payment center employees are frequently pulled from claims processing actions to phone call answering.

I am a highly trained and knowledeable SSI technical specialist who gets pulled from complex cases that no one else in the office can do so I can do benefit verifications that any new employee with a 1/2 day training can do.

Excessive, repetitive phone calls, "bugging the heck out of the TSC", slows down the processing of everyone's disability claim. Why do you want to add to the backlog problem?

Also, the TSC employees can't tell you when a PC employee will be finished. They can only give you some idea of where the claim is in the process. But that answer isn't good enough for some people. Again, the last time you worked, how much work would you have gotten done if you had to stop working to explain exactly what you were doing? I train new employees and my interviews are always longer when I explain step by step what I am doing.

I suggested being reasonable. And I am looking at the big picture while understandably, you are concerned with your own situation. That a big difference in perspective.

[feederband]

I just called again..It was a month from my last call...They told me that right now its usally around 4 months from my first monthly check to get the retro....So I am looking at Sept ot Oct..

[MomofTwins28]

Since I last spoke to someone and decided that since SSA was being the usual less than helpful, I called my lawyer to see if HE could get some answers. It was then that I found out that they have received my award letter on July 14, 2008 and they know how much I'm getting and I have yet to receive my letter. My lawyer also informed me that a majority of the time when benefits are awarded on a closed period of time, they get put on the back burner because SSA gets the people with on going monthly benefits out of the way. Mix that with an already long back log and a long *** wait is what you get. My lawyer is going to help me get my benefits before the the end of August because I'm going to contact my congressman and my lawyer told me that once the congressman starts asking questions, they almost immediately release the funds. So, that's what I'm going to be doing tomorrow.

[laker3peat]

Four years ago I filed an appeal and I was told on 2 or 3 occasions to be patient that I had received a Fully Favorable decision. I had received backpay for a closed period of time, so I was PATIENT. At 12 monthes I was told to contact my local office and a supervisor told me that my appeal had been "lost" by the local office. He supposedly filed the lost appeal, but also started a new claim.

The good news--I received a Fully Favorable bench decision 11/07 for the new claim. I received my first deposit in May. I've received zero backpay. A month ago the supervisor at my local office said he would put a dire need request through and I should get it in a few weeks. Still nothing. I'm stunned when people get their payments and backpay after a month or two.

There are people that are in worse situations than me, but I have a leaking roof that is so bad I'm worried my bedroom ceiling might collapse on me with the next big rain...

The thing with calling the 800# is more often than not they give out incorrect info, but every once in a while you get someone that

[meerkatslvr]

The thing with calling the 800# is more often than not they give out incorrect info, but every once in a while you get someone that

That is true. As I promised, I called SSA AGAIN today and I was told that my claim was received at the payment center July 23, 08 (???), but that my attorney got paid already!!! Isn't that peachy? I was told to wait another 60 days (at least), but she also added that I can get it sooner and that would be great. She said it happens sometimes, but that they tell people 60-90 days so that we don't get too "worried" over the delay. I appreciated her help and told her so. She didn't acted like the "oh there you go calling again" type.

She gave me more info about the SSI money I will get around December (which I knew about) so, it was a good day. ;) :D

P.S. If what the poster said that those with closed period decisions go to the bottom of the pile, I have a good reason then to remind them (frequently) about my claim.

[Sunshine2]

I was approved in June by the judge, as far as getting paid, when, or how much, nobody can tell me anything.

Today it was like a Gestapho interrogation, and they expected me to remember a conversation I had with them 7 years ago...they said they had no information on me, so I HAD TO GIVE THEM THE SAME INFORMATION IVE BEEN GIVING THEM FOR THE PAST 7 YEARS....ON ALL FOUR CLAIMS IVE HAD, WHAT A WASTE OF TIME AND TAXPAYERS MONEY!!!!!!

She also was raking me over the coals because I could not remember what month and DAY I moved into this apartment? (Ive been here for years)....then she said she had the information sitting right there.....

Four or five times I was asked if I was on Food Stamps...Ive been on food stamps for 6 or 7 years now.

Then when I started to give her a list of my disablling conditions (which they said they dont have either) she got all upset because she didn't really want the entire list...she would not let me finish the list.

IS THIS INSANE OR WHAT?


I STILL HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO CLUE WHEN OR WHAT I WILL GET PAID, HOW MUCH PER MONTH, ETC, ETC, ETC......I plan on moving out of this place when I finally get paid, I can make no plans because I have no clue. SO I AM SITTING HERE IN LIMBO wondering what to expect, and noone can tell me.

Oh well.....

[peaches]

Sunshine, sounds like you had an SSI pre-effectuation review type interview. That is necessary in order for the SSI claims rep to determine how much SSI benefits you would be due for past months.

You said you had four claims in seven years. I am guessing that you are counting an appeal as a claim, but I could be wrong. It would be odd to have four actual claims in seven years since with the appeal process, any one claim could easily take three or four years. But perhaps you didn't appeal one or more of your claims.

The SSI computer program called MSSICS is the mechanism that is used to complete the non-medical portion of your SSI claim, it is used to update the information on your SSI claim, and it is the usual mechanism that is used to pay benefits on your SSI claim. There is a different program for SSDI. The MSSICS program cannot house multiple 'claims' in one 'iteration'. Sorry, don't know how to explain this without being this technical. If a prior claim was reopened, then a new 'iteration' usually needs to be created in order to use the proper application date.

When your claims are denied, there is no one in SSA who is computing monthly benefits for people not eligible to receive them. The computation of monthly benefits does not begin until there is a reason to pay them. An ALJ issues a favorable written notice, and that is when the other components in SSA begin to determine payment. Not before. Computation of benefits cannot even be started until the date of onset of disability is determined.

If you are due seven years of benefits, it is the job of the SSI CR to make sure that the information that was provided in the past is still correct. Many things can change the amount of SSI benefits, like increases or decreases in other income, changes in living arrangements, changes in the value of things you own. Those issues ALL MATTER in determining SSI. Without valid information, the SSI CR cannot make a correct determination.

When the SSI CR is completing this review, the computer screens require the CR to put a date of a change of address in a box. Without the date, the program will not allow the CR to continue the review. Would you prefer the CR use your best recollection of the date or would you prefer that they made one up? It is your life and you should be the best person to give the information about it. What you call 'raking over the coals' may just have been a way of prompting you to give the best recollection.

Also, SSI computer screens do have a very short section for a listing of medical conditions. The screen only allows for a minimum number of keystrokes, so your attempt to make sure they all were listed was futile since there simply isn't room ON THAT SYSTEM to do what you want.

There are other programs and other files that are reviewed by the DDS and ODAR in which you can list your problems to your heart's content. The SSI CR, however, doesn't need to know all your medical conditions, only that the DDS or ODAR has found you disabled for whatever reason. I realize it is important to you, but once a finding of disaiblity is made, the CR's job is to get you paid based on non-medical factors, not to rehash the medical issue.

What is the date of your written favorable decision? No one in the field office or the payment center can even start work on paying your claim until the written decision is issued. Payment of monthly benefits usually begins 30-60 days later, retroactive benefits 60-90 days later. Also, if this is an SSI claim, Congress has mandated that your retroactive benefits be paid in up to three installments, six months apart. First two installments are supposed to be 3 times the monthly SSI benefit in your state. It is Congress that decided this. It is not your local office trying to be mean. There are some exceptions that would be included in your award letter. As an employee, I disagree with the installment process, but I am not paid to make and apply my own rules. Last installment is the rest of the money. If you received some type of local general assistance, that is reimbursed from the SSI. If you have an attorney, the attorney is also paid.

Imperfect system, absolutely. Perhaps it would help if you tried to focus on the big picture and try to not sweat the small stuff. Yes, you may be 'in limbo' a while longer.

[Vikingned]

The important thing for us all to remember is, we are not alone. We all have had a tough road, some tougher than others.

I was awarded back to my initial application date of 4/05.

I was informed my benefits where being taken care of and reviewed in Balt.MD on June 9th.

I went to my local SS Office two weeks ago, to answer a few questions and make sure everything was up to date and correct.

Not my son or I, have seen a cent of benefit money to date. But I do have a feeling it will happen any day now. After fighting with SSDI for over 3 years, and having major surgery just last May, to have 5 disc removed and fusion of same area (lower lumbar) I figure I can hang on a few more weeks if needed. I've come to learn and accept, it's basicaly out of my control how fast or slow things happen when it comes to SSDI. But after learning and listening to others who have gone thru similar situations, everything does come to an end and that day is what I pray for soon. But again, we are never alone, even though it may feel like that at times.

hang in there people,

ned

[Sunshine2]

To you it might be small stuff, but I have some landlord harrasment issues and mold problems and I just need to get out of here....I have to schedule all this in between xrays and ultrasounds and possible biopsies, etc...along with my lack of resources and pain issues.....

It is not small to me considering my stress levels keep going up.....its making me sicker living here.

The police say my landlord is harrassing me (there are other things he has done, I got in trouble for having curtains last week)...Im desperately trying to find an attorney to help me...I keep getting the beauracratic runaround......

I would like to have some sort of a clue about what my backpay is, what my monthly payment will be, they told me I can't apply for my son until I get a monthly check.....

But to me its not small stuff.

Sunshine, sounds like you had an SSI pre-effectuation review type interview. That is necessary in order for the SSI claims rep to determine how much SSI benefits you would be due for past months.

You said you had four claims in seven years. I am guessing that you are counting an appeal as a claim, but I could be wrong. It would be odd to have four actual claims in seven years since with the appeal process, any one claim could easily take three or four years. But perhaps you didn't appeal one or more of your claims.

The SSI computer program called MSSICS is the mechanism that is used to complete the non-medical portion of your SSI claim, it is used to update the information on your SSI claim, and it is the usual mechanism that is used to pay benefits on your SSI claim. There is a different program for SSDI. The MSSICS program cannot house multiple 'claims' in one 'iteration'. Sorry, don't know how to explain this without being this technical. If a prior claim was reopened, then a new 'iteration' usually needs to be created in order to use the proper application date.

When your claims are denied, there is no one in SSA who is computing monthly benefits for people not eligible to receive them. The computation of monthly benefits does not begin until there is a reason to pay them. An ALJ issues a favorable written notice, and that is when the other components in SSA begin to determine payment. Not before. Computation of benefits cannot even be started until the date of onset of disability is determined.

If you are due seven years of benefits, it is the job of the SSI CR to make sure that the information that was provided in the past is still correct. Many things can change the amount of SSI benefits, like increases or decreases in other income, changes in living arrangements, changes in the value of things you own. Those issues ALL MATTER in determining SSI. Without valid information, the SSI CR cannot make a correct determination.

When the SSI CR is completing this review, the computer screens require the CR to put a date of a change of address in a box. Without the date, the program will not allow the CR to continue the review. Would you prefer the CR use your best recollection of the date or would you prefer that they made one up? It is your life and you should be the best person to give the information about it. What you call 'raking over the coals' may just have been a way of prompting you to give the best recollection.

Also, SSI computer screens do have a very short section for a listing of medical conditions. The screen only allows for a minimum number of keystrokes, so your attempt to make sure they all were listed was futile since there simply isn't room ON THAT SYSTEM to do what you want.

There are other programs and other files that are reviewed by the DDS and ODAR in which you can list your problems to your heart's content. The SSI CR, however, doesn't need to know all your medical conditions, only that the DDS or ODAR has found you disabled for whatever reason. I realize it is important to you, but once a finding of disaiblity is made, the CR's job is to get you paid based on non-medical factors, not to rehash the medical issue.

What is the date of your written favorable decision? No one in the field office or the payment center can even start work on paying your claim until the written decision is issued. Payment of monthly benefits usually begins 30-60 days later, retroactive benefits 60-90 days later. Also, if this is an SSI claim, Congress has mandated that your retroactive benefits be paid in up to three installments, six months apart. First two installments are supposed to be 3 times the monthly SSI benefit in your state. It is Congress that decided this. It is not your local office trying to be mean. There are some exceptions that would be included in your award letter. As an employee, I disagree with the installment process, but I am not paid to make and apply my own rules. Last installment is the rest of the money. If you received some type of local general assistance, that is reimbursed from the SSI. If you have an attorney, the attorney is also paid.

Imperfect system, absolutely. Perhaps it would help if you tried to focus on the big picture and try to not sweat the small stuff. Yes, you may be 'in limbo' a while longer.

[echoes long ago]

I for one appreciate Peaches taking the time to do posts on this forum to explain how things work and what you can or cannot do about it. I have found her posts enlightening. Lets not beat up on someone who is taking the time and trying to help.

[meerkatslvr]

Echoes, I can't speak for everyone, but I believe most of us appreciate her taking time to respond to most of our concerns just like you do. I don't think it is fair to say she's been beaten up here. Some of us are more sensitive to people dismissing or chastising our actions because they are not in our shoes and what may work for one, may not work for another. We are adults here and have every right to express our frustration.

Perhaps it would help if you tried to focus on the big picture and try to not sweat the small stuff. Yes, you may be 'in limbo' a while longer.

Even though I know you mean well Peaches, to refer to people's struggles
such as fearing of an eviction, losing property, etc. is hardly "small stuff" and I understand why would anyone in our situation will take offense to your perception. I still appreciate your info and I would say to anyone reading our "rants" to try looking at OUR big picture and not "sweat us". Is NOT personal.

[chelle08]

I also appreciate Peaches for her help. I learned so much from reading her posts as well as many others here.

I knew nothing about SSDI, (still don't) and I know the questions I asked had been answered many times before but Peaches and others weren't rude to me and took the time to answer my questions with much patience.

I know all of this can make a person crazy. I hope everyone gets their cases resolved soon.

chelle
Just read the post above. I hope no one thinks I am critizing them. I just wanted to express my appreciation.

[sophie ny]

I know I have been trying to keep busy as much as I can . We all are in the same boat working or not working . Life is a job. We all have options and alot of support out there if you really need it.

No ones knows how SSI. handles claims and when you get off the phone you still have no clarity.

But thanks to the people on here who know and explain rules and reg. to us how much more can they simplify to us. Isn't this the reason you come here ? I totally understand now,*gal thanks to peaches on that subject.. *forgetmenot

[peaches]

How about if I define some terms;
Small stuff - whether or not an SSI interviewer lists all of your disabling conditions on the computer screen during your update interview after you have been found disabled (especially since there is a limit on the number of characters that can be printed on that particular screen)
Small stuff - trying to remember accurately as possible the date you moved to a residence
Big stuff - how much money and when it starts

Here's some clues: Current SSI federal benefit for a person with no other income who is living independently (not sure how they can do that without money) is $637 per month. Current SSI federal benefit for a person living in the household of another with no other income is $404.67. These numbers are less if there is other sources of income. So, 84 months of SSI entitlement would be between $30 and $50K in a state with no state supplement. There's the ballpark.

First payment likely to be 9/1. First installment of retroactive benefits likely to be paid by 10/1 after interim assistance reimbursment and attorney fees if applicable. Of course, there can be roadblocks to this scenerio, but it can work. And remember, I have NO IDEA if any of these possibilities will apply to you because I don't know your specific details beyond what you report.

Thanks for the kind words from some posters.

[Sunshine2]

I was not beating her up, I simply stated that this is not small stuff to me when I have a landlord harrassing me on an almost daily basis.....thanks.

I for one appreciate Peaches taking the time to do posts on this forum to explain how things work and what you can or cannot do about it. I have found her posts enlightening. Lets not beat up on someone who is taking the time and trying to help.

[Sunshine2]

Im going to be getting SSDI too.....once again, they have given me no clue or indication as to when I will be getting any sort of payments.

How about if I define some terms;
Small stuff - whether or not an SSI interviewer lists all of your disabling conditions on the computer screen during your update interview after you have been found disabled (especially since there is a limit on the number of characters that can be printed on that particular screen)
Small stuff - trying to remember accurately as possible the date you moved to a residence
Big stuff - how much money and when it starts

Here's some clues: Current SSI federal benefit for a person with no other income who is living independently (not sure how they can do that without money) is $637 per month. Current SSI federal benefit for a person living in the household of another with no other income is $404.67. These numbers are less if there is other sources of income. So, 84 months of SSI entitlement would be between $30 and $50K in a state with no state supplement. There's the ballpark.

First payment likely to be 9/1. First installment of retroactive benefits likely to be paid by 10/1 after interim assistance reimbursment and attorney fees if applicable. Of course, there can be roadblocks to this scenerio, but it can work. And remember, I have NO IDEA if any of these possibilities will apply to you because I don't know your specific details beyond what you report.

Thanks for the kind words from some posters.

[sophie ny]

I was not beating her up, I simply stated that this is not small stuff to me when I have a landlord harrassing me on an almost daily basis.....thanks. HEY THIS IS A FREE COUNTRY YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO SPEAK YOUR MIND. CALL THE HEALH DEPT. AND GET THE BALL ROLLING. GOOD LUCK.*claymore

[meerkatslvr]

Peaches, thanks for the clarification of the "small stuff" comment and I apologize for misinterpreting what you meant. Emotions run high when one is dealing with "big stuff" that we can't handle as we would want or NEED to and frustration can sometimes make us interpret comments made here as downplaying ones situation.

I have been told so many times to wait and be patient, but when the "patience" has extended for 2,3,4 or many more years, it is extremely hard to exercise it especially when ones case has been decided favorably. It's unfair to have to wait another 180 days (90 days after the decision is made and another 90 to receive the SSDI if SSI was awarded prior to that, as I was told) in order to receive our benefits.

Anyway, I'm not commenting on this anymore, but I wanted you to know that even though some people may have viewed some opinions (mine in particular) as attacks, they were not and I speak for myself when I say that I DO appreciate the info you provide whether I like what I hear or not. My frustration isn't against you, but against the flawed system. I just may not know how to express it in a more diplomatic way ;) Thank you again :)

[meerkatslvr]

Im going to be getting SSDI too.....once again, they have given me no clue or indication as to when I will be getting any sort of payments.

Sunshine, I also was awarded SSI which I REALLY wasn't expecting AT ALL. As a result, they are now telling me that I have to wait another 90 days because they have to calculate the amount due to me because of the "windfall" from SSI. In the meantime, my attorney got paid already. I don't mind her getting paid the full amount allowed because she definitely deserves every penny, but c'mon, before *I* get my money???

I was also told that had I not gotten the SSI payment, I would have received the SSDI much earlier. I got the SSI 90 days after the fully favorable decision was made. Now I have to wait ANOTHER 90 days while they make the calculations. GEEZ! :rolleyes:

The only good news is that the remaining payment of SSI due, will be sent to me around December, so that will be really nice. I haven't had a good Christmas in YEARS! :mad:

[peaches]

Social Security has been sending out the Social Security Statement for at least a decade. Perhaps you didn't save yours. But, about seven years ago, you should have received a Social Security Statement that told you that if you became disabled today, your monthly Social Security benefit would be a certain amount. So you have been told in the past.

The exact amount of the SSDI benefit cannot be computed UNTIL either the DDS or the ALJ has determined the date of onset of disability, which is not always they date you allege. The date of onset is an integral piece in the determination of monthly benefits. Until that date is established, the correct amount of your SSDI benefit cannot be determined accurately, only estimated.

What is the written date of your Fully Favorable decision (I think I've asked that before)? Figure first SSDI check 30-60 days from then and retroactive benefits 60-90 days from then. That is a reasonable expectation.

I have heard that McDonald's makes some Big Macs before people order them and then throws them away if the burgers are too old. SSA does not spend time computing actual benefits for people until they are eligible to receive them. It takes some time after the decision is made.

[meerkatslvr]

Update:
Finally good news!!
Yes, I may have called too many times to the Social Security office to inquire about my back pay, but persistence always pays off and those who really know me also know how persistent I can be.

I was blessed enough to speak to someone today who could actually do something about my case. She was the sweetest lady I've talked to so far and she was very helpful. Mind you, 98% of them have been as well, but could do nothing but tell me to wait.

She explained that my computations have already been done, but that no action had been taken yet as to deposit the amount owed into my bank account. She also explained that not all SSA agents (on the phone) can do it, but that I was in luck that she could so, she set it up and told me to expect my money in the bank in about a week, but it could be sooner.

I understand that I may have lucked out and got someone on the phone with the authority to expedite things, but I also know that had I sat on my hands waiting for someone to want to clear his/her desk of any claims expeditiously, I would probably have had to wait until God knows for my money to be sent to me.

Everyone works things differently and I know that I was as patient as I could have ever been, but I still did not sit on it waiting on someone to get to it. I made things happen and I offer no apologies for it. For whatever reason, dealing with the government is not an easy task and one has to do whatever we need to do to see progress made. I'm very satisfied with my results and I hope everyone does what they feel it's necessary to get their due.
Peace out!

[Sunshine2]

Seven years ago???? It would take me months and months to find that piece of paper, if I have it. lol.

Social Security has been sending out the Social Security Statement for at least a decade. Perhaps you didn't save yours. But, about seven years ago, you should have received a Social Security Statement that told you that if you became disabled today, your monthly Social Security benefit would be a certain amount. So you have been told in the past.

The exact amount of the SSDI benefit cannot be computed UNTIL either the DDS or the ALJ has determined the date of onset of disability, which is not always they date you allege. The date of onset is an integral piece in the determination of monthly benefits. Until that date is established, the correct amount of your SSDI benefit cannot be determined accurately, only estimated.

What is the written date of your Fully Favorable decision (I think I've asked that before)? Figure first SSDI check 30-60 days from then and retroactive benefits 60-90 days from then. That is a reasonable expectation.

I have heard that McDonald's makes some Big Macs before people order them and then throws them away if the burgers are too old. SSA does not spend time computing actual benefits for people until they are eligible to receive them. It takes some time after the decision is made.

[peaches]

If your fully favorable decision was made early in June and you have not yet even been paid any SSI, I would suggest you contact the CR who conducted the SSI interview and ask for status. My 'reasonable' time period for first check is the 30-60 day mark and it seems like you are headed past that. I do know that trying to pay a 7 year old claim with multiple appeals and new claims filed in the midst (which would be a likely scenerio) is not a simple matter of pushing a few buttons and if your local office is as busy and backlogged as mine has been for years, the CR may simply have not found the time to do what is needed.

I also think you should mention your newspaper interview to the CR. It is always possible that a followup story could be in the works... The CR probably needs down time from interviewing to accomplish what needs to be done and I know many supervisors know that adjudication time is important, but feel pressure to keep the employees interviewing all day. Always a juggling act. I have no doubt you can be professional, reasonable and assertive at the same time. You can also present your request directly to the supervisor. If you get a dissatifying answer, there is always the office manager, his boss the area director and of course, the public affairs officer in the area director's office who probably hates bad press.

Once upper management gets involved, lower management pushes the other claimants out of the way or makes them sit in the waiting room longer and gets your case worked on. Not so nice for the others waiting, but...

At this point in the month of August, I think the best you can hope for through the automated system is a first SSI check to be issued 9/1/08 because the retroactive benefits will get tied up with the attorney fee, interim assistance reimbursement and installment processes built in to the SSI system. And if it doesn't get done by about the third week of August, then the September check becomes part of the 'back pay' as well.

[Vikingned]

Peaches and everyone else,

I consider myself one of the more patient people around here, but my patients has just about totaly run out.

SS recieved my Fully Favorable notice and judges letter on June 11th 2008. It is now, Aug. 21st, and I haven't recieved even a penny yet. This is unacceptable. They not only owe me, but they owe my 8 years old son also.

I always recieve, excuse after excuse, but usually I recieve a " We don't know anything, you just have to wait" Well I'm tired of waiting. We are talking 70 days now, I think this is totaly unacceptable. And here's the kicker, my Attorney, come to find out, recieved all her pay on Aug. 8th......Whats up with that? If they can figure out her pay and what she was owed out of my finances, then they must have a number sitting in front of them of whats left for me and my son. Just send it dammit.

One of the worst running Government Offices in the country, never mind one of, IT IS THE WORST........

[trynhard]

Wow, they are taking their slow time with you. I got my fully favorable letter on 7/23/08, my letter telling me my benefits on 8/2 (will start receiving monthly benefits on 3rd Wednesday of September) received my Medicare card on 8/11/08 and got my back pay on 8/15/08.

Good Luck and hopefully you will get it soon.