Social Disability Lawyer Blog
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How to Obtain a Closed Benefit | SSDI vs SSI
A closed period occurs when a claimant for Social Security disability benefits or SSI is determined to be ineligible for ongoing benefits but remains entitled to payments for a period of time in the past.
How to Obtain a Closed Benefit
The interval between the beginning of a disability and the claimant's ability to return to work at the SGA level is characterised as a closed period of disability payments.
How to Obtain a Closed Benefit
The interval between the beginning of a disability and the claimant's ability to return to work at the SGA level is characterised as a closed period of disability payments.
In other words, the disability period begins when you become unable to work and ends when you are able to return to work. As a result, unlike an open term of disability payments, a closed period of disability benefits has a start and end date.
The disability must have lasted at least twelve months in order to be eligible for closed period disability benefits. Furthermore, you must apply within 14 months of the conclusion of your disability. If you miss the deadline but can show that your failure to submit on time was due to an impairment/disability, you may be able to resubmit an application between 15 and 36 months after your condition ended. If you were disabled for at least a year but were permitted to return to work while waiting for a decision on whether your claim for disability benefits was granted, you may apply for a closed term of disability payments. Alternatively, even if you apply for continued disability payments, Social Security may only provide you with benefits for a limited time. In other words, Social Security decides your eligibility for a period of incapacity but not for future monthly disability benefits.
For example, following a review of a claimant's medical evidence during a disability appeal hearing, the judge may determine that the claimant's health has markedly improved since submitting the first disability application. The court denies the claimant continued benefits, but can award backpay for a 13-month closed period if the evidence shows that the claimant satisfies the disability requirements during that time period.
It's Easy to Win a Closed Period Claim
It may be easier for a claimant to get closed period disability benefits than open period disability benefits. If the SSA approves an open period disability, the claimant will almost probably continue to receive disability benefits. When the SSA grants a closed period claim, it assumes less financial risk. Furthermore, filing for a closed period because you were unable to work for a period of time but then your health improved and you were able to return to work is substantial proof that you actually suffered from a handicap for specific SSA workers.
However, there is a five-month waiting period if the claimant files for Social Security disability benefits (also known as Title II, SSD, or SSDI). In other words, five months of disability compensation will be removed from the disability award for the closed period. However, filing for a closed term of SSDI payments has an extra benefit. A closed period of disability protects your SSDI insured status and increases your potential future retirement or disability payments by imposing a disability freeze on your earnings record.
The disability must have lasted at least twelve months in order to be eligible for closed period disability benefits. Furthermore, you must apply within 14 months of the conclusion of your disability. If you miss the deadline but can show that your failure to submit on time was due to an impairment/disability, you may be able to resubmit an application between 15 and 36 months after your condition ended. If you were disabled for at least a year but were permitted to return to work while waiting for a decision on whether your claim for disability benefits was granted, you may apply for a closed term of disability payments. Alternatively, even if you apply for continued disability payments, Social Security may only provide you with benefits for a limited time. In other words, Social Security decides your eligibility for a period of incapacity but not for future monthly disability benefits.
For example, following a review of a claimant's medical evidence during a disability appeal hearing, the judge may determine that the claimant's health has markedly improved since submitting the first disability application. The court denies the claimant continued benefits, but can award backpay for a 13-month closed period if the evidence shows that the claimant satisfies the disability requirements during that time period.
It's Easy to Win a Closed Period Claim
It may be easier for a claimant to get closed period disability benefits than open period disability benefits. If the SSA approves an open period disability, the claimant will almost probably continue to receive disability benefits. When the SSA grants a closed period claim, it assumes less financial risk. Furthermore, filing for a closed period because you were unable to work for a period of time but then your health improved and you were able to return to work is substantial proof that you actually suffered from a handicap for specific SSA workers.
SSDI vs. SSI Closed Period Benefits
If the claimant files for SSI (Supplemental Security Income), he or she is entitled to all SSI disability benefits for the length of the disability.
If the claimant files for SSI (Supplemental Security Income), he or she is entitled to all SSI disability benefits for the length of the disability.
However, there is a five-month waiting period if the claimant files for Social Security disability benefits (also known as Title II, SSD, or SSDI). In other words, five months of disability compensation will be removed from the disability award for the closed period. However, filing for a closed term of SSDI payments has an extra benefit. A closed period of disability protects your SSDI insured status and increases your potential future retirement or disability payments by imposing a disability freeze on your earnings record.
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