What Is Disability Back Pay?

Disability back pay refers to the retroactive payments you may receive once your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim is approved. This money accounts for the time during which you were eligible for benefits but had not yet begun receiving them.

How Back Pay Is Calculated

Back pay is based on three key dates:

• The date you became disabled (Alleged Onset Date - AOD)
  This is when your disabling condition began, according to your application and medical evidence.
• The date you applied for disability
  Back pay can cover the time between your application and when your claim is approved.
• The date the SSA approves your claim
  Because the approval process can take months (or years), back pay compensates for that waiting time.

For SSDI

• Five-month waiting period: SSA won’t pay for the first 5 full months after your disability onset date.
• You may receive up to 12 months of retroactive benefits prior to your application date if you can prove your disability started before you applied.

For SSI

• Back pay usually begins from the date of your application—not before.
• Payments are sometimes split into three installments if the back pay is significant.

How You Receive Back Pay

SSDI back pay is usually delivered in a lump sum, directly deposited into your bank account.

SSI back pay is more often paid in installments, unless:

• You are terminally ill
• You are no longer eligible for SSI
• You request and receive an exception due to hardship

How Long Does It Take to Get Back Pay?

Once you’re approved, you can typically expect your back pay within 60 days, though it may take longer depending on your specific case and SSA backlog.