When will I get the Notice of Award?

The Notice of Award will come around the time that you receive your check for past-due benefits or direct deposit of benefits if you signed up for direct deposit. The Notice of Award often comes after you receive your past-due benefits.

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?