Paying for medical costs and living expenses when you are no longer able to work due to a disability is hard, if not impossible. If you’ve worked and paid into Social Security, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Though SSDI offers needed financial support, you likely won’t receive benefits until months after you’ve applied.
The SSA’s approval process is lengthy. What happens to you while you wait? Many applicants receive SSDI back pay for the benefits they would’ve received if they were approved immediately. Most claims are denied at least once before approval, so you may be waiting—and accruing back pay—for several months.
How Does Disability Back Pay Work?
You can receive SSDI back pay for benefits that are considered past due. Under SSDI, back pay accrual depends on the date the SSA determines you became disabled. Benefits may be considered past due if you were waiting for your application’s approval or you were disabled prior to the date you applied.
How far back does Social Security disability pay? You may be able to receive back pay for up to a year prior to your application date. The maximum back pay for SSDI is calculated from 12 months before the application date up to the month of the date Social Security determines you became disabled.
You may receive back pay for a shorter period of time, or you may not qualify for back pay at all. Many factors determine whether back pay is owed to a claimant and, if so, how much is due. If the SSA awards you SSDI benefits, you will receive a letter that lists your monthly benefit amount and what you will receive in back pay.
When Will I Receive My SSDI Back Pay?
How long does it take to get disability back pay once approved? There is not a set timeline for receiving back pay after SSDI approval. Most people receive their payment in one lump sum within 60 days of approval. You should receive your back pay between your approval date and when you receive your first monthly disability benefit.
The SSA will provide your back pay through direct deposit, meaning it will be paid directly into your bank account. You’ll want to keep an eye on your account to see if the payment is deposited. If you haven’t received your back pay after 90 days, you should contact the SSA.
Do you think you’re entitled to SSDI back pay? Have you applied for disability?
Contact Reynolds & Gold. We will help you get the benefits you’ve missed out on.
