Coronavirus has changed the day-to-day lives of millions of Americans. Many have experienced layoffs, are working remotely, or are worried that they may catch the virus themselves. There is no question that this is an unusual and stressful time. For people who collect Social Security Disability, these changes can raise questions about how their benefits are affected. If you’ve been wondering if coronavirus could affect your Social Security Disability check, we have answers for you.
Will I Still Receive my Social Security Disability Check on Time?
Currently, there are no changes to your Social Security Disability benefits. You should still receive your SSDI money on time and directly to your bank account if you have provided the Social Security Administration (SSA) with direct deposit information. Individuals who receive paper checks should not experience a delay, either.
The amount of money you usually receive will not change, even if you have already received your stimulus check.
Will the Stimulus Check Affect my Taxable Income or SSDI for 2020?
The short answer to this question is no. The government is not treating stimulus checks like taxable income, meaning you will not have to claim it if you file 2020 taxes next spring. However, it is always wise to contact your tax preparer regarding any tax questions you have.
If you have more questions about your stimulus check, please check the IRS website here.
What if I Need to File a Claim or Have a Claim in Progress?
Physical SSA offices across the country are currently closed for the safety of employees and patrons. However, you can still file SSDI claims or manage your benefits online. As for claims that are already filed, you may experience a longer delay than usual for getting an answer.
At Disability Associates, we usually expect a four-month delay at the first 2 levels of the process between submission of the original claim and a response. If the initial claim is denied at the first 2 levels, there’s generally a 10-12-month period for receiving a hearing date and 30-90 days for a response. Right now, we do not have an estimate for how long the SSA will take to catch up, but since their offices are currently closed, responses are likely to take a few extra months.
How Disability Associates Can Help
At Disability Associates, we help disabled individuals navigate Social Security Disability claims. During this unprecedented time, we’re continuing to work with our clients to provide them with the most up-to-date information from the SSA and to answer any questions they may have.
If you need to file a Social Security Disability claim or if you’re a current client with questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. You can give us a call at 410-686-2227 or fill out the contact form on the website.