When will I start getting benefits again?

Important

The dates below were proposed in the settlement but the Social Security may not be able to meet all of them.

There are three groups of people who can get benefits because of the Martinez Settlement. Each group can expect getting benefits at different times.

• Group 1
• Group 2
• Group 3

Group 1

If you are in Group 1:

• Your benefits were stopped (suspended) on or after Jan. 1, 2007; or
• Your benefits were suspended before Jan. 1, 2007 and you appealed the suspension.

If you received SSI benefits

• You should get a notice sometime between April, 2010 and September, 2010;
• If you are still eligible for SSI, you should start getting your benefits sometime between April 2010 and December 2010.

If you received Social Security benefits

• You should get a notice in December, 2009;
• You should start getting your benefits sometime between December 2009 and June 2010.

Group 2

If you are in Group 2:

• You were denied benefits on or after Jan. 1, 2007; or
• You were denied benefits before Jan. 1, 2007 and you appealed the decision on or after Jan. 1, 2007.

If you applied for SSI benefits

• You should get a notice sometime between April, 2010 and September, 2010;
• If you are still eligible for SSI, you should start getting your benefits sometime between April 2010 and December 2010.

If you applied for Social Security benefits

• You should get a notice in December, 2009;
• You should start getting your benefits sometime between December 2009 and June 2010.

Group 3

If you are in Group 3:

1. Your benefits were suspended or denied on or after Jan. 1, 2000 and before Jan. 1, 2007; and
2. You did not have an appeal pending on or after Jan. 1, 2007.

When should I start getting benefits?

• You should get a notice from Social Security between April 2010 and December 2010 telling you if you have to reapply for benefits and how to do so;
• Make sure Social Security has your current address.
  • Visit your local Social Security office and ask them to put your name, address, Social Security number and phone number on the "Martinez list."
  • If you get Social Security (not SSI or SVB), you can update your address online.
• You must contact Social Security within 6 months of the date on the notice to reapply for benefits. If your new application is within 6 months of the date on the notice you get, you can get benefits back to April 1, 2009. 
• If you miss this date, you will only be able to collect benefits from the date of your new application;
• Social Security must stop reducing your benefits during this time for overpayments it said you were paid.