Back Pay (SSDI)
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. SSDI back pay does not count against any resource limit.
Related terms
- 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.
- Back Pay (SSI)
Retroactive SSI payments owed to an approved claimant from the date of their application (or protective filing date) through the month of approval.
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Frequently asked questions about Back Pay (SSDI)
What is SSDI back pay?+
SSDI back pay is money the Social Security Administration owes you when your disability claim is approved. It covers the time from when your disability began, after a 5-month waiting period, up until the month you got approved. It helps make up for the time you waited for a decision.
Can everyone who gets SSDI also get back pay?+
If you are approved for SSDI, you will usually get back pay. The amount depends on when your disability started and when you applied. The Social Security Administration figures it out automatically as part of your approval. There is no separate application for back pay itself.
How is my SSDI back pay calculated?+
Your SSDI back pay is figured out by adding up your monthly benefit amount for each month you are owed money, starting after the 5-month waiting period. The Social Security Administration looks at your medical records to decide when your disability officially started.
How long does it take to get SSDI back pay?+
Once your SSDI claim is approved, it can take some time to get your back pay. It usually arrives within a few months after your approval notice. Sometimes it comes in one payment, and other times it might come in a few smaller payments.