Applying for SSDI and getting approved can take several months. Many of the people who get approved wait around three to six months before they receive benefits, however, it could take even longer if they have to go through the appeals process.
That’s why the Social Security Administration offers what’s called back pay. You could be paid for those months you waited — and perhaps even additional months. Here’s some more information.
How Far Back SSDI Pays
If your application is approved, you’ll receive back pay at least going back to the date you applied for benefits. However, you could receive benefits that go back even earlier. It all depends on different factors such as your alleged onset date and the date you initially applied. Back Pay is paid in one lump sum for SSDI. The SSA does not limit the amount of backpay you could potentially receive.
The Disability Onset Date
When reviewing your application and determining whether or not you could receive back pay, the SSA will investigate your disability onset date (EOD), the day you were unable to go to work anymore. If your EOD occurred before you applied for benefits, then you could receive a maximum of 12 months of retroactive benefits. But keep in mind that in order to receive these, you must have been disabled 17 months prior to your filing date. SSDI has a five-month waiting period and the SSA won’t pay you for five months after your EOD.
Waiting for benefits can be nerve-wracking. You can always call the SSA to see what’s going on if you haven’t received them after some time has passed.
Contacting Schott Law
If you need assistance applying for SSDI, Schott Law is here for you. Maggie Schott is an SSDI & SSI lawyer serving Washington and Idaho. Contact us now at (509) 328-5789 to start your application.