EXPLAIN SOCIAL SECURITY'S WAITING PERIODS

Like many benefit plans, Social Security benefits don't begin immediately. Here are some of Social Security disability's waiting periods to be aware of:

5 MONTHS WAITING PERIOD FOR DISABILITY

Disability benefits under SSDI don't start for 6 months from the date Social Security finds you to be disabled. This date is called your Established Onset Date (EOD). There is a 5 months waiting period, and Social Security benefits are paid one month in the future. So, count on 6 months from the official date of disability until you get the first benefit check. If you are awarded a lump sum settlement for back pay, Social Security will deduct 5 full months from that settlement to satisfy the waiting period.

29 MONTH WAITING PERIOD FOR MEDICARE

If you are under age 65 and waiting to get Medicare due to disability, the waiting period is 24 months from the date your disability began. That 24 months is IN ADDITION to the 5 months waiting period discussed above. So, the total Medicare waiting period is 29 months from the date your disability officially began. This applies to individuals who do not reach age 65 earlier than the end of the Medicare waiting period.

However, if you reach age 65 during this waiting period, your Medicare may begin right away based on your age.

The simple way to look at Medicare insurance is: Available at age 65 OR available 29 months after date disability begins (if younger than age 65 during the entire waiting period).

DEADLINE TO APPEAL UNFAVORABLE DECISIONS

While this is not a waiting period, it is worth mentioning. You only have 60 days to appeal an unfavorable Social Security decision, such as a denial of benefits or rejected application. Don't wait too long.