CLOSED PERIOD of DISABILITY
Here's a question from our mailbag this week: I hear people speak of a "closed period" disability claim with Social Security. What is that?" A "closed period" of disability simply means that the disability began on a certain date and ended on a certain date. A closed period could award back pay for a disability that was in the past but would award no future or continuing benefits. Let's say that Clem Claimant hurt his back at work and had to stop working for back surgery. Let's say he stopped working on June 1, 2011 and recovered, then he began working again on July 1, 2012. Since Clem was off work for the required 12 months minimum, he could seek benefits beginning June 1, 2011 and ending June 30, 2012. If approved, he would receive back pay for the 13 months - minus the 5 month waiting period. (In this example he would actually receive pay for 8 months, 13 months minus the 5 months). Since Clem has gone back to work ...