SSDI is a federal program that provides financial assistance to people who are unable to work due to a disability. This program helps cover essential living costs such as housing, food, and medical costs for people who can’t maintain their employment because of their disability. After an individual files and gets approved for SSDI, they must wait five months before receiving their first payment. This is called the five-month waiting period, where individuals must wait this amount of time before even receiving any payments. Many people wonder, can this five-month waiting period be waived? This blog will answer this question and more, covering everything you need to know about the five-month waiting period for SSDI.
What Is the Five-Month Waiting Period for SSDI?
This five-month waiting period is a requirement in the SSDI program, implemented by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The reason this rule is set in place is to make sure the disability is long-term and permanent, which is the requirement to receive SSDI in the first place.
Why Five Months?
The period of five months was chosen to make sure that during the early months of a disability, the SSA isn’t paying people who don’t have a long-term disability. The key with SSDI is the disability must be determined to be long-term, and even after being approved, the applicant must still prove this by waiting five months. The SSA wants to ensure that the benefits they are giving individuals are going to those who need it in the long run, not just a short-term impairment.
Learn More: Tips for Managing Your Finances While Waiting for SSDI Approval
How Does the Waiting Period Affect Benefit Payments?
The waiting period starts the month after the SSA established the date your disability began. Starting from the sixth month, you will start receiving payments. For example, if the SSA found your disability started in January, you would receive your first SSDI payment for the month of June, which is typically given in July. While this waiting period is meant to make sure benefits are given to those who deserve it, it can cause financial challenges. For those who are unable to work from their disability, this can create challenges with paying bills and other essential expenses.
Can the Five-Month Waiting Period Be Waived?
The question often comes up if this waiting period can be waived. Yes, there are specific circumstances where the waiting period may be waived, but it is very uncommon.
Below are a list of disabilities that may qualify for the waiting period to be waived:
- ALS: In 2020, the ALS Act was introduced, which allowed those with ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease to be exempt from the waiting period.
- Re-entitlement within Five Years: If a person becomes disabled again within five years after a previous period of disability, they are not required to wait another five-month waiting period before they can receive benefits again.
So yes, in very specific circumstances the five-month waiting period can be waived, but this is very rare and most applicants must wait the five-month waiting period before they receive benefits.
Read More: The Impact of Mental Health Conditions on SSDI Eligibility
It is Worth the Wait
The five-month waiting period is an essential aspect of the SSDI process for most people. However, there are specific circumstances where the waiting period can be waived. While this waiting period can put a financial strain on many individuals, it is important to remain positive and patient. The five-month waiting period is only a small amount of time compared to the amount of time you will be receiving the benefits you deserve, making it worth the wait.
At Tabak Law, our experienced Social Security disability attorneys are here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today for a free consultation to ensure your claim is handled efficiently and your rights are protected.