Back Pay
The retroactive disability benefits owed to an approved SSDI claimant, covering the period from the established onset date (minus the 5-month waiting period) through the month of approval.
Back pay is paid in a lump sum shortly after your claim is approved. Unlike SSI back pay, SSDI back pay has no installment rule — you receive the full amount at once. The longer the claim takes to process, the larger the back pay can be.
→ SSDI back pay does not count against any resource limit.
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Frequently asked questions about Back Pay
What is SSDI Back Pay?+
SSDI Back Pay is money you get for the time between when you became disabled and when your Social Security Disability benefits started. The Social Security Administration figures out how much you are owed based on your "established onset date." This is the date they decide your disability began.
Who gets SSDI Back Pay?+
You can get SSDI Back Pay if the Social Security Administration approves your disability application. You need to meet their rules for disability. The money covers the time from when your disability started up to the month your benefits begin. There is also a 5-month waiting period before payments start.
How do I get SSDI Back Pay?+
You do not need to do anything extra to get SSDI Back Pay. If your SSDI application is approved, the Social Security Administration will automatically calculate any back pay you are owed. They will then send it to you. It's usually a lump sum payment.
How much Back Pay can I get from SSDI?+
The amount of SSDI Back Pay you get depends on your monthly benefit amount and how long you were disabled before your benefits started. The Social Security Administration will calculate this for you once your application is approved. Remember, there's always a 5-month waiting period, so payments don't cover those months.