Does SSA go by onset date or application date for back pay?Both onset date and application date are potentially important to back pay. If you are approved for SSI disability, the application date is the only determiner for back pay disability benefits. Since there are no potential retroactive disability benefits for SSI beneficiaries (meaning that SSI beneficiaries can get back pay, but they cannot get retroactive backpay from a period occurring before they applied, as is the case with SSDI disability), the only determiner is date of filing. If you are entitled to, and eligible for SSDI, or both SSDI and SSI, the onset of your disability is considered along with your application date/filing date. If you are found to be disabled seventeen months prior to your application date, you may be eligible for 12 months of retroactive disability benefits. The twelve months of potential retroactive back pay benefits begin with your application date. If you worked and performed SGA until your application date, your back payment will begin accumulating after the five month waiting period. For example, if you stopped work 01/02/2025, you would be entitled to receive disability benefits 07/2025. Should you be approved with your initial disability claim you will not receive any back pay unless your are approved after 07/2025. If your disability claim is denied, your back pay of disability benefits begins with 07/2025 and accumulates while your disability claim is working its way through the Social Security Disability appeal process. 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 long does it take to hear from SSI? How long after my consultative appointments will I get a decision on my disability claim? Can I get married and still get my Social Security Disability? How many people die while waiting for disability benefits? Does SSA go by onset date or application date for back pay? If you get denied at a disability hearing, can you win later? Can you work while filing for disability? The chances of winning with a Social Security Disability judge Social Security Disability, SSI and more than one medical problem Can medications qualify you for disability? Will Social Security respond to a dire need letter? Denied disability because of work credits Can you still get SSI if you are denied SSDI? |
