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.

Kathy (not verified)
Thu, 11/05/2015 - 16:26 Permalink

My husband was approved for disability at the end of March 2014. He received his backpay and his monthly benefits have started. He did an application for our minor children. How long (on average) will it take for their benefits to commence and (ballpark) when should they expect to receive their backpay? We turned in all required originals in person to the SSA rep who took their application approximately three weeks ago. SSA was holding up his backpay (although he did not qualify for SSI nor did he have an attorney) until we contacted our Congressman. We don't want to do that yet for our dependants' backpay or monthly benefit because we wanted to give them a reasonable turnaround time. Any input would be appreciated! Thank you.

Tiffany (not verified)
Thu, 11/05/2015 - 16:27 Permalink

My son's father and I are no longer together. He was recently approved for disability and I'm curious as to when I should start receiving my son's check. Don't mean to be ruthless but I have been taking care of my son on my own for four months now. And need the help.

Beth (not verified)
Thu, 11/05/2015 - 16:27 Permalink

I got email from SS office and was told that Im approved for SSA but they have to subtract the payback for any SSI payments that I already received for that same time period... I dont get SSI anymore it stopped few months ago becz I got a job but my ssa just got approved due of 2013 that I didnt have a job and retroactived on 2013 that I m diabled as on that date and theres a 5 months waiting period before i can entitled to benefits so the entitlement is on 2013 so what does it mean and how it work with subtract from SSI payment itself for payback from SSA?

Anonymous (not verified)
Thu, 11/05/2015 - 16:27 Permalink

i have had my hearing with alj i feel positive that its favorable if i have already registered an online account with them will the process go smoother or faster and if i set up a bank account will the money come faster could it even come before i receive these letters. I 've heard many people receive money before they even receive there award letter i just wondered if it could come earlier due to technology press of a button. PS i feel so sorry for people that r waiting soooo long but will pray for you all.

Igg (not verified)
Thu, 11/05/2015 - 16:27 Permalink

Hi Linda, thank you for your question. If you are unemployed and disabled, you may be eligible to receive either SSDI or SSI. In order to be eligible for SSDI, you need to have worked and paid the correct amount of Social Security taxes (depending on your age) and have a disabling condition, that's expected to last at least 12 months, that restricts you from being able to work. In order to be eligible for SSI, you need to have the same limiting disabling conditions, as well as meeting the asset limit of $2,000 (excluding the home and one vehicle) for an individual, and $3,000 (excluding the home and one vehicle) for a couple

I'f you'd like to learn more about each program, feel free to visit either one of these pages for more information:
SSDI Benefits
SSI Benefits

Barb (not verified)
Thu, 11/05/2015 - 16:27 Permalink

My ex husband was just approved SSDI and we have a minor child that he is supposed to be paying child support on, which hasn't been the case in quiet some time. I understand that OCSE will automatically get all the child support arrearages taken off the total of his monies due. My questions are, he was approved on 05/16/14 and it went back to 10/2012. I have called SS office and they can't give me any information stating that NOTHING is in the system yet indicating that he was awarded. But told me that I needed to set up an appointment for my son on 06/23/2014, and hopefully it will be in the system by then??? Really does it take that long to get it in the system? And when should I expect to receive at least the child support he owes me? Will my son also receive a lump sum other than the child support back to the onset date? And when will we start receiving a regular monthly benefit payment?

Marc (not verified)
Thu, 11/05/2015 - 16:27 Permalink

We applied for my deaf stepdaughter who is 16 almost 17 and has cochlear but it isn't all that great for her. It's been eight months and it just went from the medical side to the financial side. No one will tell me anything about approval or denial. They said to check the mail. We are currently on TANF for the extra help but we question whether we should get off the cash aid??? Will it help get a favorable decision if we wernt on assistance? Also if we are on assistance will it hurt what she is able to get in payments and back pay? We just don't want anything we are doing to hurt what she is able to receive. Once she's 18 this will be very important for her. Any websites that could help me understand or advice would be great! Thank u!

Cece (not verified)
Thu, 11/05/2015 - 16:28 Permalink

Hello my mom was finally approved after five years of appeals she received her letter stating she was fully favorable a little over sixty days she made to much and was denied for ssi so she is getting ssd and has five years of backpay coming to her. She has a savings account set up for the deposit however when she calls all she gets is it is in the payment center. She has lost a lot over the years and really needs this. From what I have red she should have already received her money and she has called most of the time she has to leave messages and they don't call her back. So does anyone know how long it's gonna take for her or maybe had a similar experience. I am the one who has been helping her and she is so ready to get her life back!

Maria (not verified)
Thu, 11/05/2015 - 16:29 Permalink

We just started the application process for SDI and I am scared of how long it will take. Is it recommended to use a disability attorney to speed things up? Also, is there any reputable companies out there that do advanced payments or loans against disability awards while you are waiting to get your first payment?

Igg (not verified)
Thu, 11/05/2015 - 16:29 Permalink

Hi Maria, thank you for your questions. The SSDI process can vary depending on your case, however, it typically takes at least a few months for the SSA to receive your information and make a decision. However, if you're approved, you can receive back payments from your application date to approval date

If you have specific questions regarding your case and would like to talk to an attorney for a free consultation, please fill out the form on our home page and a lawyer will contact you. If you would like to read more information about back pay, read our Social Security Back Pay page

Shari (not verified)
Thu, 11/05/2015 - 16:29 Permalink

OK. Yesterday 8/1/14 I FINALLY received my FULLY FAVORABLE! I filed January 2011 and judge set my date of disability 8/2010. That's 4 years!!! I have been waiting 3 years through appeal processes and now here is my question. I'm 38. I worked 20yrs and since I'm disabled young, does that mean since I didn't put in as long as a 50yr old, I'll now get less in my disability benefits? I'm trying to figure out what I may receive cuz the curiousty has gotten to me. I have 3 young children as well and I did file for SSI as well but I don't know the benefit amount either. I'm barely making ends meet off there dead beat dads and I'll need every penny I can get...quickly.

Igg (not verified)
Thu, 11/05/2015 - 16:29 Permalink

Hi Shari, i'm glad to hear that you have finally been approved. Determining the exact amount of disability benefits you will receive is difficult to determine, since every individual's case is unique.

We do, however, offer a Disability Benefits Calculator that can give you a rough estimate of how much benefits you could be eligible for.

Sharie (not verified)
Thu, 11/05/2015 - 16:29 Permalink

Can someone please please help me. I was approved for ssd in 2014 and am getting around $12,000 backpay from that. Then the SSI people said i would get ssi backpay from 2011 also. they said because i get backpay for ssi for the waiting period that they are deducting it from my ssdi backpay. Then my lawyer called the payment center and they said no i get full back pay from both. But the ssd people are saying no i only get part of my ssd backpay because ssi is giving me backpay also for waiting period. I was told i get a backpay from each program and no one can give me a straight answer can someone please help. I am so confused. I would just like to know do i get all of my backpay from both programs. I did not have one penny income from 2011 until they finally approved me june of 2014. I just wanna cry and i want to know what i get from who. Thank you

Barb (not verified)
Thu, 11/05/2015 - 16:30 Permalink

My husband has been disabled for a couple of years now. He's been able to return to work a couple of times for short periods of time and then he had to completely stop working in January. Both of his doctors told him that he can not work at all and would not approve him to go back to work. They told him to file for SSD, which he did a few weeks ago. The social security papers that he received in the mail told him that if he were to become disabled, he would receive $1,800 a month. So here are my two questions. IF he does get approved for SSD, how much will myself and our two children get a month (they are 15 & 13) and do I have to apply for myself and my children after he gets approved or does it happen automatically? My husband and I have not lived together for over 10 years but we're still married. The kids live with me and he is unable to care for them due to his disibility. We are on very good speaking terms though.. Could you give me any answers on this?

Igg (not verified)
Thu, 11/05/2015 - 16:30 Permalink

Hi Barb, you and your children may also qualify for benefits on your husband's record and receive what is called auxiliary benefits. This is, however, only the case if he is receiving SSDI.

Please learn more about the eligibility requirements for these benefits on our Auxiliary Benefitspage.

Anonymous (not verified)
Thu, 11/05/2015 - 16:30 Permalink

So, daughter got ssdi benefits because her father, not living in our home, was disabled. Attorney General applied benefits to child support. Father lost benefits a year and a half ago but no one told us and payments kept coming. Because they were to be used for child support, they were. Social security office sent letter of non eligibility and wants all the money back. I have appealed as they asked, but they said sorry, we want our money. Why do we have to pay the money back after HE defrauded the system. I have called 5 attorneys and they all refused to take the case saying it was too complicated. Now what??

Igg (not verified)
Thu, 11/05/2015 - 16:30 Permalink

As this seems like a complicated situation, I would suggest filling out our form for a free consultation with a disability attorney. You can find our form at our home page here. I apologize for not being able to help further and good luck with your situation.

Anonymous (not verified)
Thu, 11/05/2015 - 16:30 Permalink

I have been on SSDI since Feb 2010. I have since had a baby in February 2012, but I didn't report it because I had no idea I was suppose to and that it would make any difference. When the paperwork said to report changes, I assumed it meant living address and income changes due to working, not having a child. I just found out this month from my friend that my daughter also will get payments! When I called the 800 #, I was told that I would get back pay and I assumed from her birthdate because she said it wasn't my fault I didn't know to apply. When I got to my local office, at first the amount was wrong, then I was only going to get 6 months back pay and when I mentioned it, they said I could have 1 year and that that was pretty good. My question is who decides on how far they give back pay? Because of my ignorance, my daughter is just out the $13000? Should I try talking to her supervisor. Don't get me wrong, I am super grateful and it is a Godsend but I have been living in a motor home for the past 2 1/2 years because I couldn't afford anything more and now that I realize I could have improved her quality of life if I had just known....I'm a single mom! It just doesn't seem right that they should keep it because I should have known that when they said left them know of any changes that meant if I had a baby...advice anyone? I'm going tomorrow to get correct form for bank account as after spending 5 hours with my 2 1/2 year old there today, I still wasn't provided everything I needed so wondering if I should try discussing back pay with them again when I pick up form or is it a moot point?

Igg (not verified)
Thu, 11/05/2015 - 16:30 Permalink

Hello there, thank you for reaching out to us with your scenario. Back pay is roughly determined by the following:
Back Payment = (Monthly Payment) x (Months between EOD and Approval date - Wait Period)
You can read more about logistics of back pay at our Social Security Back Pay page. Also, I don't think it would hurt to talk the amount of back pay over again, just to be sure.

Anonymous (not verified)
Thu, 11/05/2015 - 16:31 Permalink

I applied for my daughter ssdi under my name, because i wasn,t notify that she was entited to it under the age the age of 18. So I called social security, and they told me she was entited to it, but they would send her 1 lump sum from october 2010 to july 2014, since she turn 18 and graduated this year, but they told the paperwork was compleled and approved, and waiting for someone to send it to her checking account, but since sept 3,2014 she haven,t recieved it, I have call several times with her approval to s/s and they told me they sent several emails high prority to that dept to release the funds. does anyone have any suggestions what else I can do but continue to call social security on a weekly basis, some agents told me to continue to call to follow up

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