What is a Closed Period in a Social Security Disability Claim 

What is a Closed Period in a Social Security Disability Claim

What is a Social Security Disability “Closed Period?”  In the majority of claims people make for Social Security Disability and/or SSI benefits, the applicant is alleging that they have been, are currently, and expect to remain disabled for the foreseeable future; but for a fortunate number of people attempting to obtain disability benefits, prior to the date of their hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, their condition improves and they are able to, and thrilled to be able to, return to gainful work.  Often, we have received phone calls from clients informing us that they are working and doing well.  The client is usually surprised when we inform them that they still could be entitled to social security disability benefits for a closed period.

“What is a closed period,” we are asked.  A closed period refers to the situations where a person was disabled due to a physical and/or mental disability, but now their condition has improved to the point where they are no longer disabled and are capable of returning to work and substantial gainful activity.

What do you need to be able to show to be awarded social security disability benefits for a closed period?  In order to received Social Security Disability benefits for a closed period of time, you must be able to prove that your physical and/or mental disability was such that you were unable to work for at least 12 months.  You must also have filed your claim for disability benefits within 14 months of after your disability ended or filed a claim within 15-36 months after the disability ended with evidence showing that your failure to apply with 14 months of your disability ended was due to your physical or mental disability.  If you believe you were disabled for at least 12 months, you should file your claim for a closed period as soon as possible.

So, if you have a claim for disability benefits, but during the appeal process your condition improves and you can return to work, don’t give up on your claim for social security benefits as you may be entitled to a closed period of disability benefits.

If you have questions about your right to Social Security Disability benefits-or if you would like the help of a lawyer after being denied benefits, don’t give up, you really should call an experienced Alabama Social Security Disability Lawyer.  Contact and speak with one of the knowledgeable Alabama Disability Attorneys at Powell and Denny today for a free consultation.  Virtual appointments are available through Zoom, so you have meet with one of our experienced Disability Lawyers from the convenience and comfort of home wherever you live in Alabama or Tennessee.

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Mr. Denny is AV rated by Martindale Hubbard (the highest rating possible) and Mr. Powell has been rated as Superior by The National Registry

+ Powell and Denny have successfully represented disabled person from Birmingham, Huntsville, Florence, Muscle Shoals, Tuscumbia, Athens, Decatur, Town Creek Ardmore, Hartselle, Madison, Toney, Scottsboro, Ft. Payne, New Hope, Guntersville, Albertville, Boaz, Ashville, Anniston, Gadsden, Cullman, Jasper, Gardendale, Morris, Kimberly, Centerpoint, Leeds, Tarrant City, Fairfield, Hueytown, Bessemer, Adger, Tuscaloosa, Cordova, Alabaster, Pelham, Harpersville, Opelika, Phenix City, Montgomery, Clanton, Calera, Enterprise, Monroeville, Mobile, Evergreen, Pelham, Alabaster, Calera, Centre and towns and cities in between.

 

 

What is a Closed Period in a Social Security Disability Claim