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.

Betty (not verified)
Tue, 04/04/2017 - 20:53 Permalink

Can u b awarded ssi for the 5 month waiting period?????

Bryan

In reply to by Betty (not verified)

Wed, 04/05/2017 - 10:13 Permalink

Hi Betty,
If you have already been approved for SSDI benefits, you may not be eligible for SSI benefits at the same time unless your award for SSDI benefits is under the federal benefit rate of $735 a month and you meet the financial resource requirements.

Frank (not verified)
Wed, 04/05/2017 - 20:07 Permalink

I filed back in August of 2016 and check social security website very once and awhile and noticed this most recent update, Until I get a letter in the mail I don't really read into much into it, but looks like it is getting close the most update is today...what do you guys think
04/05/2017

Benefit Application Under Review

A medical decision has been made and we are working to process your benefit application. A Social Security Representative may contact you directly if we need any additional documents or information.
03/09/2017

We started reviewing the decision made by the Disability Determination Service for accurate processing of your benefit application.
09/22/2016

The Disability Determination Service for your state started processing the medical portion of your benefit application.
08/31/2016

We started reviewing your Disability benefit application.
08/30/2016

Your Disability benefit application was submitted.
08/30/2016

Your online Disability benefit application was started.

Bryan

In reply to by Frank (not verified)

Mon, 04/10/2017 - 09:49 Permalink

Hi Frank,
I really could not say if this alters the status of your case, it looks like they have determined that you may be medically qualified for benefits, and now they may be reviewing other parts of your case.

Cher (not verified)
Thu, 04/06/2017 - 23:54 Permalink

OPM disability retirement in 1999. Managed my disability till 2010 things started going downhill with my condition BUT did not apply for SSDI till 2017. Is there a certain number of years that social security can consider that is less than 7 years?

Bryan

In reply to by Cher (not verified)

Mon, 04/10/2017 - 09:58 Permalink

Hi Cher,
You may not be eligible for benefits as you had not been working at least five of the last ten years. You may want to contact the SSA for further details, you can do so by calling them at 1-800-772-1213.

Ashley B (not verified)
Fri, 04/07/2017 - 11:30 Permalink

I have heard sometimes you will get your first payment, before you get your reward letter, I applied back in August 2016 but never remember giving my bank account information. Put heard if you do get a deposit it is from the treasury. I always my tax returns deposited into my checking account every year, could is there anyway it still can be deposited with them already knowing my banking information or if I'm approved will I still have to set up for direct deposit through social security, I still go on my checking account and see if I might have funds from disability in my checking account ... but I think I have to sign up right ?

Bryan

In reply to by Ashley B (not verified)

Mon, 04/10/2017 - 10:00 Permalink

Hi Ashley,
Yes, you would need to inform the SSA that you would like direct deposit and they can set up your accounts for them to deposit the funds directly.

DEBI (not verified)
Sun, 04/09/2017 - 22:20 Permalink

I was told that a decision as been made, just process the benefit application, should I read anything into that, or should I not get too excited yet? They posted that on 4/9/2017 . If you are denied does a denied letter come faster then award letter, they do not tell you too much just curious by experience does anybody know? My life depends on this, I really need approval if I get denied I do not know what I will do .
Thanks

Eric

In reply to by DEBI (not verified)

Tue, 04/11/2017 - 16:45 Permalink

Hi Debi,
In general, those who are denied benefits receive their notice fairly quickly because they have to meet the 65-day deadline for filing an appeal. Wishing you nothing but the best.

-Eric

Johnny B (not verified)
Tue, 04/11/2017 - 10:29 Permalink

Hi
I was thinking about applying for disability, I'm 54 yrs old, and just having a hard time doing my job and it shows because my job performance is going down hill .I have tried to hold off but starting to realize I can't do it anymore , I have heard getting approved is easier after you reach over 50 is that true?but then from reading so many people stories it can take years to even get approved even if I do. But I can't

Bryan

In reply to by Johnny B (not verified)

Tue, 04/11/2017 - 15:53 Permalink

Hi Johnny,
The SSA takes age, health, and the ability to do other work into account when you apply for disability benefits. It may become easier the older a person is, but you may want to speak with a disability advocate or attorney about your case. You can get in touch with one by filling out this form:
http://www.disability-benefits-help.org/form/free-disability-evaluation

Johnny B (not verified)
Tue, 04/11/2017 - 10:33 Permalink

Not sure what happened did not get to finish and got sent. I wanted to say that I can't afford to quit, I'm scrapping by as it is to make ends meet so how to you apply and just wait for so long with out any income, I'm new to this will the process go quicker scince I'm over 50 ? Please lead me in the right direction.

Bryan

In reply to by Johnny B (not verified)

Wed, 04/12/2017 - 09:41 Permalink

HI Johnny,
That was not an application for benefits, it was a form to speak with a lawyer.
You may have an easier time of applying for benefits due to your age. While you may be able to work while applying for benefits, it may disqualify you if you earn over $1,170 a month.

Johnny (not verified)

In reply to by Bryan

Wed, 04/12/2017 - 19:58 Permalink

I only make $500 a month if that .. very low income :(

Charlie (not verified)
Tue, 04/11/2017 - 15:03 Permalink

I was curious if you are denied, will you get a denial letter faster then award letter? My friend applied about 6 months ago and received a denial letter very fast it seems, I applied the same time, but my status says medical decision and been made and now working on benefit application is this a good sign for me now it is going on 9 months for now and they just updated that on 4-6-2017

Eric

In reply to by Charlie (not verified)

Tue, 04/11/2017 - 16:31 Permalink

Hi Charlie,

In general, those who are denied benefits receive their notice fairly quickly because they have to meet the 65-day deadline for filing an appeal.

Best Wishes,
Eric

Patrick (not verified)
Thu, 04/13/2017 - 00:26 Permalink

So I just got a update online, saying a medical decision has been made and now working on your benefits application , does that mean approval or not necessary, I understand you can not give me an exact answer about my case, just looking for somebody has already been through this and can give some idea what that might mean. I just want to know if I get a letter in the mail this week if that might be bad. my last update was on 4/5/2017

Bryan

In reply to by Patrick (not verified)

Thu, 04/13/2017 - 09:21 Permalink

Hi Patrick,
All I could say is that they are working on your case, as all that message might mean is that they've established that you are medically eligible for benefits and now they need to come to a decision as to whether your work history ( for SSDI benefits) or income and resources (For SSI benefits) meet their criteria for technical eligibility.

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