How Are Disability Applicants Notified After a Benefits Decision?

notification of disability benefits decisionAfter applying for Social Security Disability benefits, you may be anxious as you await a decision and worry whether you have provided all the information needed to make a disability determination. You may even be wondering when and how you will be notified about the status of your application.

Below, learn how disability applicants may be notified about a benefits decision and what to do if you disagree with the decision. If you have questions about Social Security, do not hesitate to contact our firm. We have helped many Wisconsin residents file initial disability applications and file appeals. 

Getting a Letter or Phone Call

If your application for disability benefits is approved, you will get an official letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA) detailing this information. The letter should include a heading that either states the agency name or the notice type along with the SSA’s contact details and local office address.  

For instance, if you live in Brown County, the Green Bay Social Security office would be 1561 Dousman St. If you live in Outagamie County, the Appleton Social Security Office would be 607 W Northland Ave. If you live in Winnebago County, the Oshkosh Social Security Office would be 400 City Center B, and so on.

The letter is sent to inform you of your rights and responsibilities and will generally state the following:

  • The purpose of the letter
  • Any action the SSA plans to take
  • The SSA’s decision and reasoning behind it
  • Starting date of disability payments
  • Changes in benefit status
  • Changes in payment amount
  • Any action you may be required to take
  • Details on how to dispute a decision

You may receive the approved letter up to two weeks after receiving benefits direct deposited into your bank account, if you already gave the SSA your banking information.

For blind or visually impaired applicants, they could receive a letter in the mail with a follow-up call from the SSA. An agency representative may also reach out to begin an application for your child, which would mean that your claim for disability benefits has been approved.

Checking Your Bank Account

If the SSA has your banking information for direct deposit, you will likely receive benefits in your bank account before receiving the letter. For many disability applicants, an unexpected deposit is an indicator that they have been approved. You can always contact the SSA if you are unsure about the deposit. If you think it is time to get a decision, be sure to check your bank account every few days for a deposit. 

Looking Up Application Status Online

The SSA’s website is also a good place to check the status of a pending application. Whether you are seeking Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you can find out the date the application was received and if a decision has been made.

Creating an online account is free of charge and usually takes a few minutes. You also have the ability to update your mailing address and set up or change direct deposit.

What If I Disagree with the Decision?

If you receive a letter of denial instead of an approval, you have the right to appeal this decision. A Green Bay Social Security Disability attorney from our firm is ready to guide you through the appeals process.

The first step in the appeals process would be filing a Request for Reconsideration. You have 60 days from the date of receiving the letter to file this motion. Otherwise, the SSA will only allow an appeal after the 60-day period within good reason. Your attorney can discuss your options in great length.

Contact Our Firm for Help Today

Need help obtaining disability benefits?

If so, Sigman Janssen may be able to assist you. We know what it takes to receive an approval letter from the SSA. Let us review your situation in a free, no-obligation legal consultation today. We charge no upfront fees and only get paid at the end if we help recover benefits on your behalf.

Contact our office today at (877) 888-5201.