I have won my case in civil court after almost 6 years... however, I am now in a tough spot as my bf of 9 years has left me and I now live with married friends. I have written my attorney a dire need letter, and hope that I can skip the remand hearing with him and the alj.... I have opened a bank account to receive my backpay and am praying the money comes soon ... my question is how long will this take? I have not received the approval letter yet, and my case was won in civil court at the end of August.. should I expect to receive it soon?

Why?

It usually takes 30-90 days. HOWEVER......
It depends on the backlog in your state. If you are represented by an attorney, he/she can tell you about your states backlog.

If you elected direct deposit, make it a habit of checking your bank account by phone every week. Direct deposits of back pay will be placed without notice into your account approximately 2 weeks - 30 days after you receive your final approval letter.
Paper checks take a long time. Especially if your state has a backlog. Up to 6 months.


PS Not sure if paper checks are still being used. Things have changed with SSDI since 2005.

Remand usually means the Appeals Council found an error with the ALJ's decision, but they're sending you back before an ALJ (could be the same one, could be a new one) for a second opportunity to argue your case.

Unless the language included "fully favorable decision", I don't believe you've won the war, just your latest battle. I may just be misunderstanding your post, but a call to your attorney for an explanation, might be a good idea at this point. It can take a long wait to get your ALJ hearing, so a dire need letter for an earlier court date is possible. But, don't rush it if you really need more time to successfully document the severity of your disability.

6 years is a long time to fight to win benefits.most people would have given up by this point.corgrats on your patients and perservence.

I've been trying for 7 years after working 36 years in a row, and never asking for government assistance, what a kick in the pants this country gives to hardworking citizens. So sad!