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.

Ben (not verified)
Wed, 02/15/2017 - 11:44 Permalink

I was just approve for SSDI on Jan 31 2017 I guess I'll be waiting awhile.

Eric

In reply to by Ben (not verified)

Wed, 02/15/2017 - 16:16 Permalink

Hi Ben,

Congratulations on getting approved. Unfortunately, Social Security disability claimants typically have to wait one to two months after approval before they will see their first Social Security Disability monthly payment.

Best Wishes,
Eric

Bobby (not verified)
Wed, 02/15/2017 - 21:00 Permalink

I was approved for SSDI in October, 2016. I received my first monthly payment in January, 2017. I have been told by three different SS phone reps three time frames for receiving back pay. One was 60-90 days from the approval date; one was 45 days from the approval date; and one was 60 days from the date of my first payment. I see in several answers to comments here that you're saying four months from my first payment. It's very frustrating when this money is needed to get out of debt because of my not being able to work due to my disability. Can all of these answers be correct? Is it the luck of the draw if I get it in the shortest time? Are we just at the mercy of the federal gov't? I was also told that I should be receiving a letter stating what the lump sum amount will be. Do I have to wait for that before I even think of getting the back pay?

Bryan

In reply to by Bobby (not verified)

Thu, 02/16/2017 - 14:52 Permalink

Hi Bobby,
For SSDI, you would have a four month wait between the start of your benefits and the receipt of your lump sum amount.

Joe (not verified)
Fri, 02/17/2017 - 09:25 Permalink

I startef getting social security disability benefits in October 2016.I received a letter in mid October,telling me they had approved the fee for my rep.But I got no back pay yet,it has been 4 months.How long does it take?

Bryan

In reply to by Joe (not verified)

Wed, 02/22/2017 - 11:41 Permalink

Hi Joe,
It generally takes about four months from the time you start receiving benefits to get back pay, so it may be soon!

penny golden (not verified)
Mon, 02/20/2017 - 11:09 Permalink

My status states this can you tell me if it means a deniel or approval
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.

Bryan

In reply to by penny golden (not verified)

Mon, 02/20/2017 - 12:33 Permalink

Hi Penny,
All that means is that they are processing your application, there is no way to know what the disposition of that application is until they send a letter indicating a denial or reward of benefits.

tiffany (not verified)
Mon, 02/20/2017 - 19:30 Permalink

was given a fully favorable on Aug.2016, (receiving my ssdi payments Sept. 2016) with an onset date of Oct. 2009 before the ALJ. Settled my workers compensation case on Feb. 2014 in the amount of $17,000.00 after lawyer fees, my question is will my settlement affect my back pay with social security??????

Bryan

In reply to by tiffany (not verified)

Fri, 02/24/2017 - 10:03 Permalink

Hi Tiffany,
Your worker's comp case may only affect your benefits if you are receiving means tested SSI benefits.

tiffany (not verified)

In reply to by tiffany (not verified)

Fri, 02/24/2017 - 14:14 Permalink

Hi Byran! Can you explain what tested SSI benefits means? I have never heard of this before.

Bryan

In reply to by tiffany (not verified)

Fri, 02/24/2017 - 15:07 Permalink

Hi Tiffany,
"means-tested", or "income-based" means that the benefits are based on your income and your financial resources.

Tiffany (not verified)

In reply to by Bryan

Wed, 03/22/2017 - 13:10 Permalink

HI Bryan! My question now is, am i entitled to back pay, and if so, how long does it take to get it?

Anonymous (not verified)
Thu, 02/23/2017 - 00:46 Permalink

I won benefits from ssdi. I applied in Sept of 2012 after I was hospitalized and was denied. Then applied Nov 2016 and I won. But I did not get any backpay. I was expecting backpay from 2012 because obviously I've been sick the whole time. I think I made a mistake and set my disable date as my last job date. Idk I'm mentally ill. The social security officer basically said if you appeal and another person disagrees you could end up with nothing. Idk what to do.

Bryan

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Thu, 02/23/2017 - 11:49 Permalink

Hi there,
If you re-apply, then your date of onset would change, and as such you may not be eligible for back pay, depending on your onset date.

Susanne (not verified)
Fri, 02/24/2017 - 00:56 Permalink

I contacted a lawyer today who said when I didnt appeal in 2012 I gave up my Rights to backpay.

Bryan

In reply to by Susanne (not verified)

Fri, 02/24/2017 - 09:59 Permalink

Hi Susanne,
I'm sorry to hear that! It's true, however, that you may not be entitled to back pay from your previous application if you re-apply rather than appeal.

Susanne (not verified)

In reply to by Bryan

Sun, 02/26/2017 - 13:38 Permalink

Thanks Brian I will have to let it go. What a total bummer!

jay (not verified)
Fri, 02/24/2017 - 17:34 Permalink

I got cut off in August and got approve in feb ... they sent me my BP of 2220 I was trying to see if they still going to pay me back from 5 months

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