The SSD, Social Security Disability Date of ApplicationPeople who approved for benefits. Most people who file for SSD and SSI are entitled to receive some sort of back pay, because it typically takes months, or even years, to be approved for benefits. Only about 30% of all disability applications are approved, which means that the other 70% must wind their way through the time-consuming appeals process. Upon approval, Social Security looks back on your medical history and determines how long you have been entitled to benefits before you were actually approved for them, and awards back pay to make up for benefits to which you were entitled to but did not receive while awaiting a final decision in your case. People who file for SSD benefits are covered under title II of the Social Security Act, and might also be entitled to collect up to 12 months of retroactive benefits. (Those who file for SSI are covered under title 16, and are not entitled to retroactive benefits.) Retroactive benefits are different than back pay in that they cover the time that a claimant's medical records indicate he was disabled, but had not yet filed a claim. In other words, back pay covers the period from the time you file until the time you are approved. Retroactive benefits, available only to those who qualify for SSD, cover a period of up to a year before the claim was filed (assuming the application is approved). The important thing for all applicants to remember is that Social Security cannot begin to consider a case until a disability application is filed. After you file, you begin to accrue back pay, an amount that depends on how long it takes for you to be approved for benefits. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: How far back will SSI disability pay? Automatic Disability Conditions for Social Security and SSI Should I have a lawyer working on my disability case? How to apply for disability and where to apply Filing an Application for Disability Benefits under SSD or SSI - Step by Step Tips on how to file for disability What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? What happens after I file my disability claim with Social Security? What happens after a Social Security Disability or SSI Claim has been taken and is Pending If you get denied on a disability application do you have to file a new application? How the Decision on a Disability Application or Appeal Under SSDI or SSI is Made Social Security Disability Waiver of Overpayment If you apply for disability in in Louisiana Getting a Disability Lawyer in Louisiana |
