Quote:
Originally Posted by legalmania
I just want to clarify that by calling the 800# and getting an appointment won't completely protect you, you must file and submit an application. SSA can use the date you call for an appointment on the application as the effective date but, it doesn't necessarily lock in the date. I hope I'm not sounding to stuffy but, I have had a few people lose out on months of benefits because their application was not properly submitted. To insure the date even further, for a few dollars more I personally send it certified that way the date is not an issue.
http://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-apply-ussi.htm
Apply as soon as possible so that you do not lose benefits. We cannot pay benefits for time periods earlier than your application effective date.
Just wanted to add other essential documents required in the application process.
http://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-documents-ussi.htm |
https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200204010
An written intent to file a claim by calling the 800# and establishing an appointment does serve as a protective filing date until SSA sends a prescribed notice giving a deadline to actually file the claim.
For SSDI, the protective filing can be used for up to six months after the notice is sent. For SSI, the protective filing can be used for up to 60 days after the notice is sent. SSA is required to use the protective filing date until the deadlines have passed. So if people have lost out on benefits, it is because they failed to complete forms within either 60 days or six months. It seems to me that a disabled person would have plenty of time to complete forms in 60 days, let alone six months. SSA will do it in 90 minutes. Maybe not as thoroughly, but it will get done.
I agree that it is best to file as soon as possible. You are disabled. Why add time to an already long process? But it is also important to be throrough.