How to Maximize Back Pay in Your Social Security Disability Claim
Are you wondering if there are ways to maximize back due benefits from the Social Security Administration in an application for Social Security disability benefits?
My name is Kaitlin Wildoner, and I’m an attorney who helps disabled clients obtain their disability benefits as quickly as possible so they can focus on getting better.
In this video, we will discuss the timelines for Social Security disability benefits and potential back pay.
What Are Back Due Benefits?
Back due benefits—also called back pay or an underpayment—cover the period between when you became disabled and when your application for disability benefits was approved.
Back Pay for SSDI Benefits
For SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) benefits, you can receive up to 12 months of retroactive benefits prior to your application date.
Additionally, there’s a 5-month waiting period from your established onset date before benefits can begin.
This means that, in theory, you can apply for SSDI benefits up to 17 months after you become disabled and not miss a payment.
If you apply for SSDI benefits 18 months after you become disabled, you will likely miss one month of benefits.
And when I say that you will not miss one month of benefits or one month of payment, it doesn’t mean that that’s coming right then and there—but through back due benefits. If the Social Security Administration finds you disabled going all the way back to your alleged onset date, as long as you apply within 17 months of that date, you should be eligible to receive the maximum amount of back due benefits.
Important Note on Onset Dates
It’s important to note, however, that your alleged onset date of disability and the date that Social Security says you became disabled under their rules may not be the same date. That difference can impact the ultimate back due benefits that the Social Security Administration will pay.
Lump Sum Payments vs. Installments
- The back pay for SSDI benefits is typically paid in one lump sum.
- For SSI (Supplemental Security Income) benefits, back pay only goes back to the month after you apply, and there is no five-month waiting period for SSI.
Additionally, because of the income and asset restrictions for SSI benefits, back pay over a certain amount is usually paid in up to three installments, six months apart.
Why Your Established Onset Date Matters
As alluded to earlier, the established onset date determined by the Social Security Administration is critical in calculating back pay.
Your specific monthly benefit amount is based on your earnings history and your monthly benefit rate when it comes to SSDI benefits.
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