| Many individuals who apply will be paid past due | | | | payments prior to the application date regardless of |
| benefits because of the lengthy application process. | | | | the onset date of their disability. Back payments up until |
| The amount of back pay benefits a claimant will | | | | the application date could still be substantial if it takes a |
| receive will vary for Supplemental Security Income | | | | long time to win disability benefits. |
| (SSI) benefits or Social Security Disability Insurance | | | | How Long Will It Take to Receive Back Pay? |
| (SSDI). | | | | SSDI back pay is usually paid in a single lump sum |
| Individuals receiving SSDI benefits may be entitled to | | | | payment. If the claimant is entitled to Supplemental |
| retroactive payments from the date of their application | | | | Security Income back pay they may receive a lump |
| and up to 12 months prior to the application date, minus | | | | sum payment if the amount is less than $6,000. If the |
| a 5 month waiting period. The Social Security | | | | amount is more than $6,000 the amount may be given |
| Administration will use the claimant's EOD or | | | | in installments to meet the requirements of the income |
| established onset date to determine when their | | | | and resource limits of the Supplemental Security |
| disability began. The claimants established onset date is | | | | Income program. |
| the date they became unable to work due to their | | | | How Is a Social Security Disability Attorney Paid? |
| mental or physical condition. The DDS examiner or | | | | If a claimant receives back pay for their claim and has |
| Administrative Law Judge will determine this date by | | | | hired a Social Security Disability Attorney, the Social |
| analyzing the claimant's medical records. | | | | Security Administration will generally withhold 25% of |
| Supplemental Security Insurance is a Social Security | | | | past due benefits awarded to the claimant up to the |
| benefit program for individuals who become unable to | | | | $5,300 maximum fee allowed under the Social |
| work due to a disabling health condition but do not | | | | Security Act and a check will be sent directly to the |
| have the work credits to qualify for Social Security | | | | attorney. Additional expenses may be incurred by the |
| Disability Insurance. If a claimant applies for SSI benefits | | | | attorney for gathering medical records or for paying |
| they will receive Social Security Disability payments | | | | other third parties on the claimant's behalf. These fees |
| back to the first day of the month following the date | | | | may be billed directly to the claimant. All fees should be |
| of their application. Individuals will not receive any back | | | | discussed with your attorney. |