Are you wondering if you are entitled to back pay? Someone who is unable to work due to a disability may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. But what kind of benefits are available? An SSDI recipient receives monthly disability payments, in addition to other services like the Ticket to Work program. However, it can take months for an SSDI application to be processed and a high percentage of first-time claims are denied. While waiting, an applicant may face financial hardship. To make up for this, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has built Social Security Disability back pay into the system.
Back Pay Is a Possibility –
Workers may receive “back pay” after their SSDI claim is approved. “Back pay” is defined as the amount of Social Security benefits the worker would have received if his or her claim had been approved on the application date.
SSDI benefits can start accruing from the initial date of application or up to twelve months prior to that date. However, there is a five-month waiting period during which the applicant will not receive benefits. Consider this example:
Tina is disabled due to her advanced emphysema. She applies for SSDI benefits on January 1, 2018 and she is approved in March of 2018. Because her application was approved less than five months after her application date, she is not entitled to Social Security Disability back pay.
However, if Tina’s application was approved in December 2018, she may receive seven months of back pay.
Back pay is limited to 12 months. The claimant will only receive 12 months of back pay, even if their claim is not approved for several years.
Note that back pay is sometimes paid out in a large lump sum payments. This payment may interfere with other benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), because it may take the recipient over the SSI income limit.
But Do You Qualify?
First, of course, you need to qualify for SSDI:
- Do you have a medical disability that prevents you from working?
- Does this medical condition meet the SSA’s definition of disability?
- Have you accrued the right number of work credits?
- Were some of the work credits earned in the years prior to the onset of your disability?
If you feel you may qualify for SSDI, it may be time to submit your application.
Find Out More About Social Security Disability Back Pay
Are you unable to work because of a disability? You may be entitled to benefits, including Social Security Disability back pay. First, though, you have to apply and be approved.
Get in touch with Armstrong Law Firm, PLC as soon as possible. Our experienced attorneys assist clients like you secure the disability benefits they deserve. Call us or complete the simple form below for a free consultation with a skilled attorney.
FAQs
1. What is Social Security Disability (SSDI) back pay?
SSDI back pay is the money you may be owed for the time between when you became disabled and when your SSDI benefits were finally approved. It helps make up for delays in the approval process.
2. How far back can SSDI back pay go?
SSDI back pay can cover the period starting from your application date and up to 12 months before that—minus a mandatory five-month waiting period from the established onset date of your disability.
3. How is SSDI back pay paid?
Back pay is typically paid out in a single lump sum after your claim is approved. However, receiving a large lump sum may temporarily affect eligibility for needs-based benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
4. Do I automatically get back pay when my SSDI claim is approved?
You may receive back pay if your approval takes longer than five months and the SSA determines your disability began before or around your application date. The SSA calculates back pay based on your established onset date (EOD) and application timing.
5. Can a lawyer help me get SSDI back pay?
Yes. An experienced Social Security Disability attorney can help establish your correct disability onset date and make sure you receive all the back pay you’re entitled to. Legal guidance can also improve your chances of initial approval and speed up the process.