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.

vicky mays (not verified)
Tue, 10/09/2018 - 22:30 Permalink

when will i receive my back pay

Whisper (not verified)
Thu, 10/25/2018 - 11:31 Permalink

I got my fully favorable notice in august of this year no award letter no benefit check .....and called said still working on it...office said not them holding things up ...how much longer

Eric

In reply to by Whisper (not verified)

Thu, 10/25/2018 - 16:49 Permalink

Hi There,

I am so sorry to hear that. You should have at least received a letter in the mail regarding it. Were you working with a Social Security attorney? I would check in with them since attorneys are always paid by the SSA first, then the claimant.

Vince (not verified)
Fri, 10/26/2018 - 12:38 Permalink

I received a fully favorable decision from SSDI on Septemebr 1st and received my first check this October, i was wondering what is a est. time frame when i will receive my back pay.

Missy (not verified)
Wed, 11/07/2018 - 15:24 Permalink

My husband is awarded back pay from disability, our lawyer has been paid for months now but he still hasn't received anything. He does not get on going benefits and each time we call they tell us next month it's been well over 90 daya

Jonathan Carswell (not verified)
Fri, 12/14/2018 - 09:48 Permalink

Why would the Treasury Department pay the lawyer I used for my Social Security disability case but not me even though I was approved for SSDI back pay for a closed period? As far as I know I will not get any kind of a monthly check just the back pay.

Eric

In reply to by Jonathan Carswell (not verified)

Fri, 12/14/2018 - 11:51 Permalink

Hi Johnathan,

The Treasury Dept. doesn't pay for legal expenses for disability cases. Social Security lawyers are paid on a contingency fee, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. If you win your case, The SSA will pay your attorney's legal fees.

David (not verified)
Mon, 12/17/2018 - 14:01 Permalink

Had my SSDI hearing June 6th. Notified of full disability and back pay on August 18th. Got my first monthly benefit payment in Sept. Still NO back pay. Lawyer has sent 2 letters. He was paid in September. He said there is a back log and delay. Is anyone else waiting all this time?

Allen (not verified)
Wed, 12/26/2018 - 12:05 Permalink

I received a letter that I will receive my back pay around the 23rd of December I still haven't got it yet does anybody know how long it takes ty

Eric

In reply to by Allen (not verified)

Fri, 12/28/2018 - 12:10 Permalink

Hi Allen,

It could be because of the holidays. I would recommend checking in with the SSA after the New Year to see.

carl (not verified)
Wed, 01/02/2019 - 02:32 Permalink

i just got approved 12/01/2018 how long do i have to wait back pay

Jennifer (not verified)

In reply to by carl (not verified)

Wed, 03/20/2019 - 22:15 Permalink

I received my approval letter 12/14/18. Received first SSA check in February. I haven’t received any back pay either. Did you ever receive yours?

Dee (not verified)
Tue, 01/15/2019 - 14:51 Permalink

My son was born at 26 weeks in 1993. That year he qualified for ssi because he was under 1000 grams at birth. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsey at age 2. He was developmentally delayed do to his prematurity. He walked without assistance at age 6 and was attending school as a student with special needs. This continued untill high school and to our amazment he bloomed like never before and became an honor roll student graduated at a normal student potential. At age 18 the ssi was reevaluating him because he was an adult and said he was fine and didnt need ssi anymore. I appealed it once and lost then twice and lost having to pay this money back. Now its been 9 years and im still struggling finacially. My son still lives with me and if they would have just given me a chance to show them why my son was still didabled they could see for themselves that there would be no way he could work in the community. They should have never discontinued him and i feel like they owe us what can i do

rsg

In reply to by Dee (not verified)

Wed, 01/16/2019 - 12:12 Permalink

Hi Dee,

Has your son tried re-applying for disability benefits? From my understanding, you had appealed a few times but it's been 9 years. He can apply again, but it would be a new application rather than an appeal. Keep in mind one reason many claims are denied is because of lack of medical evidence. If he applies again, I would make sure he has all his past and current medical evidence to support his claim. If he hasn't worked, he'll need to apply for SSI again because he won't have enough work credits for SSDI.

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