SSDI length of time for back pay?

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on

When I initially met with my attorney, I was told that back pay would go back one year from application, minus 5 months (I had already waited over 2 years to file because I was told I would have "full recovery" after my 2 fusion surgeries). I've received my acceptance letter but not my back pay yet, and during my search for more info on the process I came across a SSDI page stating that even if it takes 24 months for your claim to get approved, you can only receive pay for 12 months. Can anybody help clarify this for me please? Also, I have friends who received their back pay before or immediately after their approval letters (NY), but I've seen posts by people saying it took several months so I was wondering if there was a formula for when I can expect mine? I'm not looking to go on a spending spree, but I have a mortgage, car payment, property and school taxes, and children to feed and clothe as well as one in an expensive college. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and all input is appreciated.

Michelle (not verified)
Mon, 03/20/2017 - 13:11 Permalink

I applied SSDI in June 2016, was awared SSI 2017. Benefit payment will be $490 a month. I thought SSI benefits were more. I have not worked since June 2016. No reason given for not receiving SSDI benefits.

Bryan

In reply to by Michelle (not verified)

Wed, 03/22/2017 - 09:53 Permalink

Hi Michelle,
The SSA awards SSI benefits depending on income, living situation, marital status and other factors that may affect your benefit amount.

greg (not verified)
Mon, 03/20/2017 - 14:39 Permalink

How does social security determine the amount of SSDI I am eligible for? I worked for 31 years in the same job and my SSDI is a little over 1400/month. Seems rather small for all the years I paid in. How can I find out if I am due more?

Eric

In reply to by greg (not verified)

Mon, 03/20/2017 - 16:26 Permalink

Hi Greg,

The SSA uses your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME) and Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) to calculate your benefits.

I would recommend speaking with an SSA representative if you believe you are due more.

Best Wishes,
Eric

unknown (not verified)

In reply to by greg (not verified)

Mon, 03/27/2017 - 05:59 Permalink

I know that does not seem like a lot from all the yrs, you been working I get that, but if you are getting that much from SSD you are doing good, some only get $400 or $500 and maybe $900 also think depends if you have a lot in savings or investments pension or maybe 401 k but not positive might want to call an lawyer or attorney if you think you should get more sometimes your information soccail sercurity can be wrong too they are always saying make sure if you see anything wrong with your earnings over the yrs to contact ssd because that can affect your monthly checks. Good luck

Jeff (not verified)
Wed, 03/22/2017 - 10:38 Permalink

Hi I have a question.. I finally have my hearing date it's July 10, 2017.. so 17months of waiting for hearing plus all the other time applying and being denied 2 times so over 2yrs waiting.. any ways I was looking at back pay calculator and I put my date of application in, my onset date and what ssa said my estimated benefit would be.. well it says "Number of Retroactive Months 23 but can be no more than 17" what is that and it also says "Months Backpay 32" so will I get 32 months of backpay plus 17months or just 32...

Thanks

Bryan

In reply to by Jeff (not verified)

Wed, 03/22/2017 - 13:51 Permalink

Hi Jeff,
It would depend on the type of benefits that you were approved for, but you may be eligible for up to 32 months, if you're receiving SSDI benefits.

Jeff (not verified)

In reply to by Bryan

Thu, 03/23/2017 - 22:39 Permalink

Hi, thanks

Well I'm applying for both but if I get ssdi, what is the difference between backpay and retroactive pay.. the more money I get back the better

Bryan

In reply to by Jeff (not verified)

Fri, 03/24/2017 - 09:34 Permalink

Hi Jeff,
Back Pay is for the time that you had applied but did not receive those benefits, and retroactive pay is pay for when you were qualified for benefits but did not receive them.

Frustrated (not verified)
Thu, 03/23/2017 - 10:08 Permalink

Does this process really take this long, or are they hoping people will just die waiting for there benefits they worked all there life deserve, I know there are a lot of people , applying then they need to hire more people to take care of these claims , some people are starving and on one day closer getting kicked to the curb, because they have used up all there savings or 401 k plans just to make it day to day, this is just unacceptable the reading a lot of peoples questions and replies to now find out even if you are approved it takes another 5 months to even get a check are you kidding me, if we owed the social security because they paid us too much they would take it back in a heart beat or take us to court ... so frustrated are world has come to this, they just on the eldery, poor and disabled everyday

Eric

In reply to by Frustrated (not verified)

Thu, 03/23/2017 - 16:41 Permalink

Hello,

I understand your frustration, unfortunately this process take a long time. Wishing you nothing but the best.

-Eric

Brenda (not verified)
Fri, 03/24/2017 - 16:50 Permalink

Hello,
My daughter was approved for ssi benefits in 2011 but I had moved and my mail was taken without my knowledge by my former landlord and thrown away so when they tried to contact me they we're not able too and so I just found out today during my interview regarding my daughter and once again applying for ssi benefits for her. I tried to explain that I moved and my mail it as illegally thrown out by my former landlord and how I had to enter shelter placement immediately in order to help my family who at time we're homeless after moving. I didn't think my daughter had been approved because I didn't receive any mail before I moved and afterwards. I am in desperate need of anybody's help please I wanted to know now that I am reapplying is there any chance I can appeal this and my daughter can get approval from back when I first applied in 2011???? Thank you so very much. I hope you can help my daughter and our family. Thanks!!!

Eric

In reply to by Brenda (not verified)

Mon, 03/27/2017 - 12:36 Permalink

Hi Brenda,

I am so sorry to hear that. I would recommend speaking to a disability rights advocate or attorney about your situation. Wishing you and your family nothing but the best.

-Eric

Christi (not verified)
Fri, 03/24/2017 - 21:08 Permalink

I was just approved by the judge yesterday for my disability. Said my SSI would start first. My question is I have to move to another state will that effect my disability. Have not got letter yet?

Eric

In reply to by Christi (not verified)

Mon, 03/27/2017 - 12:28 Permalink

Hi Christi,

If you have been approved for SSI in one state, you will continue receiving benefits if you move to a different state, since the SSA is a federal program and not a state one.

Best Wishes,
Eric

Meghan (not verified)
Fri, 03/24/2017 - 22:54 Permalink

I finally had my hearing after waiting over two years. All medical documents were up to date and the vocational expert said there are not any jobs I can do. I got denied and I am 63 year's old. I don't understand why or how this could happen neither does my attorney. The 13 page denial had conditions that I don't have and never did. He direguarded all of my doctor's paperwork and chose to go with what a doctor that I saw for five minutes at a certain appointment. What's going on with the system

sally (not verified)

In reply to by Eric

Thu, 03/30/2017 - 07:49 Permalink

Omg! That is awful can your lawyer take to the court again? I'm 57 and still waiting for my answer. I hope things work out for you ! I Know the waiting can be stressful but don't give up keep fighting !

Bryan

In reply to by sally (not verified)

Thu, 03/30/2017 - 10:19 Permalink

Hi Sally,
During some parts of the appeals process, a lawyer could appeal the SSA's decision.

Ms. Canon (not verified)
Sun, 03/26/2017 - 11:20 Permalink

Hi I just found out I was approved finally for ssd, but I never gave them my banking information for direct deposit will they just send my first check in the mail or will I have to set up direct deposit before I receive any kind of $ not sure if they send out paper checks anymore ? Thanks

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