5-Month Waiting Period — SSDI
A mandatory waiting period imposed by the SSA before SSDI benefits begin. Benefits do not start until the 6th full month after the established onset date of.
Official source: ssa.gov
When someone is approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), they must wait 5 full months before receiving any benefits. This means that even if a person is recognized as disabled, the payments will not start until the 6th month after the date their disability began.
Some medical conditions, like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), do not require this waiting period. For these conditions, benefits begin right away.
This waiting period can affect how back pay is calculated. Back pay is the money owed for months a person was disabled before their application was approved. Only the months after the 5-month waiting period count toward back pay.
Understanding this waiting period is crucial for planning finances during the time before benefits start.
In real life
- A person who becomes unable to work because of a serious illness has to wait five months before their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments can start.
- Someone approved for disability benefits will not get money for the first five months after the Social Security Administration (SSA) says their disability began.
- A veteran with a new disability must complete a five-month waiting period before they can receive their first SSDI check.
Also known as
Take the next step
- → Start a disability application
- → Screen for benefits you may qualify for
- → Try the Tools Ssdi Filing Success Score
- → Guide: How Work Affects Ssdi
- → Guide: Ssdi Essential Guide
- → Article: Understanding Ssdi Disability Your Questions Answered
- → Article: The Ssdi Waiting Period How Long Until You Re Approved
- → Article: Understanding Ssd Benefits Pay Chart
Frequently asked questions about 5-Month Waiting Period
What is 5-Month Waiting Period?+
A mandatory waiting period imposed by the SSA before SSDI benefits begin. Benefits do not start until the 6th full month after the established onset date of disability. This means even if approved, you do not receive SSDI for the first 5 months of disability.
Who qualifies for 5-Month Waiting Period?+
Adults under full retirement age who have a qualifying medical condition expected to last 12+ months and who have earned enough recent work credits.
How do I apply for 5-Month Waiting Period?+
Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. There's no cost to apply.
Where can I get help?+
Run the SSDI Filing Success Score to check your readiness, then the SSDI Benefit Estimator to size up your monthly payment. Local Social Security field offices can also help you apply at no cost.
Source: ssa.gov