What Is SSDI Back Pay?

For individuals who become unable to work due to a disability, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can be a crucial source of financial support. However, getting approved for SSDI benefits can be a long process. Applicants may wait months or even years before receiving approval from the Social Security Administration (SSA). That’s where SSDI back pay matters so much. It helps cover the time you were waiting, making sure you’re not left without support during that long approval process.

Understanding SSDI Back Pay

SSDI back pay is money owed to you for the time between when your disability began and when your SSDI application is finally approved. Unlike regular SSDI monthly payments, this back pay usually comes as a lump sum. It’s meant to make up for the benefits you should’ve been receiving while you were waiting for your application to be processed.

Since the SSDI approval process can take a long time, the SSA offers back pay once you’re officially approved and meet all the requirements. It’s their way of making sure you’re not left financially behind just because the process took a while.

Two Types of SSDI Back Pay

There are two primary types of back pay that applicants may qualify for.

Retroactive Payments

These benefits can cover up to 12 months before the date you filed your SSDI application, as long as you can prove that your disability began during that time. In order to qualify, you must provide sufficient medical and legal evidence to support your established onset date (EOD). This type of back pay is only available for those who meet all of the SSDI eligibility requirements before applying.

Past-Due Benefits

Past-due benefits cover the period between when you filed your SSDI application and when your claim is approved. These benefits only begin to accumulate after a mandatory five-month waiting period, which starts from your recognized disability onset date. For example, if your EOD is January 1st, then your benefits would begin in June and your back pay would reflect that.

When SSDI Benefits Begin

Even after you’re approved for SSDI, the payment won’t begin right away. The SSA enforces a five month waiting period to ensure that only long-term disabilities are covered. During the five month waiting period, you won’t receive any payments, and they start the first full month after your EOD. This policy helps reserve SSDI funds for individuals with severe and lasting impairments.

In addition, the processing time of SSDI claims can delay the start of payments, and on average, it takes six months or longer for an initial decision. Things like how complex your case is, how complete your documentation is, and how backed up your local SSA office is can all cause delays.

How Jan Dils Can Help with Your SSDI Back Pay

We know the SSDI process can feel overwhelming and confusing, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Jan Dils, we’re here to help you understand your eligibility, figure out how your back pay is calculated, and ensure you get paid what you are owed. Our team has the experience and dedication to help fight for your benefits you’ve earned. Reach out today for a free consultation. We’re ready when you are!