[Notice Of Decision Letter]

My claim for SS disability was denied last summer and I appealed and have received notice for my request for a hearing before an ALJ.

Then unexpectedly yesterday I received the following letter from SS. "This determination is based on another review of your claim. As a result of our additional review, we are able to make a fully favorable medical decision and find that you meet the medical requirements for disability benefits. The onset of your disability is established as of January 18, 2008. Therefore, it is not necessary to have your case decided at the hearing level. We have not yet made a decision about whether you meet the nonmedical requirements, but we will make that decision soon. You will soon get a notice about the amount of your payments if you meet the nonmedical requirements."

This seems positive to me but 1) is this normal for them to do another review after I appealed the 1st denial?, 2) what are nonmedical requirements?, and 3) anybody care to guess how SOON the decision will be made?

Thanks to anyone who cares to comment.

The non medical requirements are reference to the quarterly payments you made into SS. That will determine the amount, if any you receive. You are approved for SSD, now they are checking your payments into the system to determine the amount they will pay each month. When I applied I received my approval letter three months later along with the amount of back pay and future monthly payments deposited two weeks later. There is no set time when the payments will start, sadly their incompetence is only bettered by the VA. You will receive it faster if you choose direct deposit. As long as you worked the required quarter's and made the SS payments into the system your checks will be determined by those amounts. If you did not qualify for those two items you will never the less receive Medicare part A in approximately 6 mo. Part B has to be paid for.