Back Pay (SSDI) — past due disability money
The retroactive disability benefits owed to an approved SSDI claimant, covering the period from the established onset date.
Official source: ssa.gov
Back pay for SSDI is the money the Social Security Administration owes you for the time between when your disability started and when your claim was approved. Think of it as catching up on payments you should have received. This money applies to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes and are found eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Once your SSDI claim is approved, you will usually get this lump sum payment shortly after. Unlike payments for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) which can be paid in smaller, spread-out amounts, SSDI back pay is given all at once. A good thing to know is that this money will not count against any limits on how much money or how many things you own, which is often a concern for other benefits. However, keep in mind that there is a five-month waiting period after your disability began before SSDI payments, including back pay, can start. This means your back pay won't cover those first five months.
In real life
- A person gets a big payment for all the past disability benefits they should have gotten.
- Someone waits several months for their disability to be approved, so they get back pay for that time.
- A veteran who was hurt in the line of duty receives a lump sum to cover the benefits they missed.
Also known as
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Frequently asked questions about Back Pay (SSDI)
What is 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.
Who qualifies for Back Pay (SSDI)?+
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 Back Pay (SSDI)?+
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