For anyone who has become disabled and is therefore unable to work, the wait on approval for social security disability benefits can be difficult. Individuals in this situation are often living on very limited or no income due to their situation, so being approved for benefits can mean all the difference.
Following the Social Security Administration (SSA) hearing, the judge will make a decision on the benefits application. If someone is approved, there are still several ways that the disability may be approved. The approval will either be a fully favorable social security disability decision or a partially favorable social security disability decision.
What is a Fully Favorable Social Security Disability Decision?
If the SSA judge has approved a case as being fully favorable, the individual will receive benefits from the onset date of disability as laid out in their application, following the waiting period. The onset date of disability simply refers to the date that the individual stated their disability began.
A fully favorable decision means that the judge agreed with this date, and benefits will begin flowing at the soonest available date following the mandatory waiting period.
What is the difference between a fully favorable and partially favorable SSD decision?
While a fully favorable decision is the best outcome for a social security disability case, it is also possible to receive a partially favorable decision from the SSA judge. The difference between the two is fully dependent on the disability onset date.
Like stated above, a fully favorable decision essentially means the judge agreed with the disability onset date that is laid out in the application by the individual – the alleged onset date. The judge has the authority to agree or disagree with the alleged onset date.
If the judge believes the disability actually began on a date later than the alleged onset date laid out in the application, they may issue a partially favorable social security disability decision. A partially favorable decision means that the benefits will start following the waiting period that coincides with the later determined start of disability according to the judge.
A partially favorable decision also happens if the judge determines that the individual has recovered from their condition and is no longer disabiled. In this case, the SSA will pay a one-time payment to cover the time the individual was disabled and unable to work.
Can you appeal a partially favorable social security disability decision?
If someone feels the judge unfairly issued a partially favorable decision, they may appeal the decision. If there is a large difference in the time period, and therefore benefits amounts, an appeal may be warranted. In this case, it’s best to get a social security disability attorney involved. If the difference is very small, it is up to the individual to decide if it is worth appealing the decision.
For help with an appeal, denial, or questions surrounding an SSA judge decision, contact Tabak Law at 844-432-0114.