Social Security Disability Advice Group

I received my temporary password code request letter in the mail today. It says that I have to use it to create a permanent password by May 30, 2012. It also says "if you are a new beneficiary, please make sure you have received your award notice or first payment before you try to register a password". Since I have to use the PRC before May 30, does this mean I should either receive my awards letter or my first payment sometime in May?

I received my approval letter April 2, 2012 so I already know I am approved.

Post edited by: Gloria62, at: 04/27/2012 01:40 PM

Yes, this is what it means Gloria. You need to know the monthly award benefit amount I think for user authenticity before you are allowed to register and create a permanent password. So yes, you should be getting the award letter or a deposit should be made shortly into your bank account or to your Direct Express® Debit MasterCard® (whichever one you have set up for funds to be deposited into). The award letter will detail all benefit amounts (monthly and backpay),tell you when you are eligible for medicare, and also tell you when you can expect to be reviewed for continuation of disability benefits. Congrats again. I have been on SSDI for over 7 months now. I was approved in August of 2011.

Thank you and congrats to you as well. I do not have direct deposit and would like to use the debit card but was told I had to wait until I started receiving checks before I could set it up, yet I have read that some people have set up use of the debit card before getting their benefits started. Now I am confused about it.

I think you should be able to sign up for Direct Express after you have been approved for benefits. I would call them @ the card enrollment center and ask them.

Card Enrollment Center: 1-800-333-1795

My SSDI benefit is directly deposited into my bank account, but many others use the direct express card and are very happy with it.

Remember, everyone must switch to electronic payments by March 1, 2013. Paper checks will no longer be issued. If you do not have a bank account, your SS payment must be sent to the direct Express card.

Thanks but it was a rep at the card enrollment center who told me I had to wait until I had started receiving checks before I could sign up. He said there were numbers they needed from the checks. Maybe I should call my local social security office to inquire. Thanks for replying LostInCyberspace12.

Yeah, I would definitely call SS Gloria. I mean if they are going to stop issuing paper checks in 2013, SS must have the info. they (Direct Express) need in order to set your account up for you in advance I would think before you receive your 1st payment or backpay. Please come back and update after you find out something concrete.

Just FYI: I received my approval letter in Aug. 2011. I received my first monthly payment in Oct. of 2011.

LostInCyberspace12: I took your advice and called Social Security about the Direct express card and they set everything up for me. My card is on the way. Thanks for your help.

That is great Gloria. SSDI is a pain in the a** when you are trying to get approved and even afterwards while you await backpay, your 1st monthly payment, approval and award letters, etc. The good thing is after you get all this stuff, it is pretty much smooth sailing after that. The only thing that concerns people after approval are the CDR's (continuing disability reviews)that will be done periodically to ensure that you are still disabled so you can keep receiving benefits. Just make sure that you continue to see your doctor on a periodic basis so if they request recent medical records during a CDR, you will have them and your SSDI will continue uninterrupted.

Congrats Gloria62