If l get paid first, should I wait until I receive the Notice of Award before I cash the check or spend my past-due benefits?

There is no problem with cashing the check. But it is best that you deposit your check in an interest bearing savings account and not spend it all until you receive the Notice of Award so that your attorney can make sure that attorney’s fees were withheld and that you have not been overpaid. It is also a good idea to make two photocopies of the check before you deposit it. Send one copy of the check to your attorney and keep the other for your records

FAQ Topics

Do I have to do anything such as visit the Social Security Office or complete some forms in order to get paid my Social Security disability benefits?
How far back will my benefits go?
How long will it take for SSA to pay me?
I understand that I should not spend all of my back benefits until we figure out if attorney’s fees were withheld. Does it happen very often that attorney’s fees are not withheld?
If l get paid first, should I wait until I receive the Notice of Award before I cash the check or spend my past-due benefits?
Is the Social Security Administration going to make it as difficult to keep my benefits as it did to get them in the first place?
Is there anything I can do to make dealing with the Social Security Administration easier?
Is there anything that I can do now to help ensure that my benefits will continue?
No. Not very often. But it does happen once in awhile.
Should I sign up for direct deposit?
The cover sheet of the favorable decision says that the Appeals Council may review the decision “on its own motion.” What does this mean?
What if the Social Security Administration finds that my disability has ceased but I’m still not able to work?
What is a “continuing disability review”?
What will I have to do for a “continuing disability review”?
What will the amount of my monthly benefits be?
When will I get the Notice of Award?
When will my regular monthly benefits begin?
Why would there be a problem if I were overpaid?
Will I be eligible for Medicare?
Will I have to pay taxes on the Social Security disability benefits I receive?
Will I receive a notice from the Social Security Administration explaining my benefits?
Will the check for attorney’s fees be sent out around the same time that I get my check for back benefits?