When applying for disability benefits, the most desired outcome is a “fully favorable” decision. But what exactly does this mean and why is it important? In this blog post, we’ll go over the concept of fully favorable decisions and why they matter in the disability benefits application process.
What Is a Fully Favorable Decision?
A fully favorable decision occurs when the Social Security Administration (SSA) approves your application for disability benefits without the need for further review or appeal. It essentially means that the SSA agrees that you meet the criteria for disability and are entitled to receive benefits.
Key Components of a Fully Favorable Decision
1. Approval of Disability Onset Date: A fully favorable decision includes the approval of your alleged onset date of disability, which is the date you claim your disability began. This is crucial for determining the start date of your benefit payments and maximizing your overall award.
2. Award of Back Payments: In addition to ongoing monthly benefits, a fully favorable decision may include retroactive payments, also known as back payments. These payments cover the period between your disability onset date and the date of your application approval.
3. Medicare Eligibility: If you are awarded disability insurance benefits, you will also become eligible for Medicare healthcare insurance coverage, after a 24-month waiting period. The waiting period starts with the first month that you become entitled to receive disability insurance benefits. (If you are awarded only Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you are also entitled to Medicaid. But in Ohio and other states that approved a “Medicaid expansion,” individuals meeting SSI income and resource limits would already qualify for Medicaid, even without a “disability” finding.)
Obtaining a fully favorable decision on your disability benefits application is the ultimate goal of your application. It maximizes your award, providing the much-needed financial support to you when disability prevents work. Being found “disabled’ provides important validation of your disability status that, along you’re your benefits, helps to ensure that you are able to navigate life with dignity and independence.
At Roose & Ressler, we understand the importance of fully favorable decisions and are dedicated to helping our clients achieve the best possible outcome in their disability benefits claims. Our team is here to provide guidance and support every step of the way. If you have questions or need assistance during this process, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
The Roose & Ressler Team is located in Lorain, Toledo, and Wooster, Ohio. You can count on us as your local disability specialist to analyze your case thoroughly to determine what is necessary for you to receive benefits. We assess the best methods used to prove the crucial facts of your case and gather the necessary evidence. Having 40+ years of experience serving Northern Ohioans, we know the ins and outs of the local disability process.