While vaccines and declining case numbers are positive signs, thousands of new COVID-19 cases continue to crop up every day. This may leave you wondering whether your Social Security Disability Insurance will continue uninterrupted. If you have recently applied, you might wonder how COVID-19 will impact your claim. The team at Rosen Moss Snyder LLP has put together some facts regarding what has and hasn’t changed due to COVID-19 related closures. We hope this information answers some of your concerns.
What Hasn’t Changed Regarding Your SSDI Distribution
If you currently receive disability checks via mail or direct deposit, you will continue to receive your benefits as long as you remain eligible. You may notice delays if your local post office has been impacted by pandemic-related changes. Here’s more good news.
Stimulus Payments Don’t Count Against You for Eligibility
If you have been reluctant to claim your stimulus check, don’t be. Whether you received money as part of the CARES Act in 2020 or receive a stimulus check as part of the 2021 relief package, it’s yours to spend as you wish — and it won’t count against your SSDI eligibility.
Expect Processing Delays
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has closed its offices to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. There’s no word on when this may change. You can check with your local office to see if they are allowing limited appointments. Some offices remain open for high priority tasks, such as:
- Processing applications for severe disabilities, such as terminal illnesses or Wounded Warriors.
- Handling changes for direct deposit, new addresses, death reports and changes of representation.
- Processing emergency requests.
An emergency may include someone who didn’t get their check and has lost their housing.
Refer to your local SSA office or the SSA.gov for more information on whether COVID-19 continues to impact your local SSA office.
If you need a long-term disability lawyer in Philadelphia, we have a great track record for winning disability disputes. Let us help you cut through the red tape and get the benefits you deserve.
Changes to Policies
The SSA has extended many filing deadlines as part of the agency’s “good cause policy,” which applies to COVID-19 and other emergencies. If you do have an appointment at an SSA office, call ahead before you go to confirm the appointment. This can save you a lot of time and trouble, especially if you have a disability with mobility issues.
Although the SSA has suspended Continuing Disability Reviews and overpayment cases, it will continue collecting overpayments at some point. It’s important to prepare for this as much as you can. If you have had a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge canceled, you may receive a notification for a telephone hearing due to COVID-19 restrictions.
For long-term disability claim lawyers Philadelphia, PA, contact Rosen Moss Snyder LLP today. We usually work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid until you do!