From Special Needs Answers
Takeaways
- Qualifying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) takes an average of six to eight months, with a five-month waiting period from the official onset date of disability before payments begin.
- Fast-track processes can expedite applications for individuals with severe health conditions.
One of the nation’s largest federal programs, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides benefits if you qualify as “insured.” This means you have worked and paid enough Social Security taxes into the system.
Qualifying for SSDI takes an average of six to eight months. However, some applicants can be fast-tracked, while others may take years when pursuing appeals. Once approved, SSDI payments begin after a five-month waiting period from the official onset date of your disability.
Read More
Matt Bailey joined Achieva Family Trust in August of 2022 as the Benefits Counseling Coordinator. Prior to joining the Trust, Matt was the Representative Payee Manager with Achieva Support (2020-2022). In his former role, Matt managed two teams of Representative Payee Specialists and assisted individuals in Achieva’s Community Living Supports (CLS) program with Waiver/Medical Assistance applications and renewals, Social Security benefits and appeals, SNAP renewals, burial planning, tax preparation and general guidance on government benefits.
Matt also worked as a Trust Administrator with the Achieva Family Trust (2014-2019). Through such roles, Matt has maintained a professional relationship with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and the Social Security Administration.
In May of 2024, Matt was promoted to a Benefits & Trust Administration Supervisor within the Achieva Family Trust. In his current role, Matt is responsible for providing guidance and counseling services to individuals who want to work, but are receiving government benefits. Matt helps these individuals understand how earned income through employment may potentially impact their government supports and services. In addition, Matt offers general counseling services on Medical Assistance, Waiver, SNAP, burial planning, Social Security benefits and Future Planning (Special Needs Trusts & ABLE Accounts).
Matt has a Master’s Degree through Indiana University of Pennsylvania and has obtained his Work Incentive Practitioner (C-WIP) certification through Cornell University. In addition, Matt is also accredited to specifically work with Transitional Youth (Youth-C) and Veterans (Vet-C) in employment and benefits planning.
