SSI and retroactive disability back pay benefitsIndividuals who are awarded Social Security Disability may potentially receive disability benefits back to their date of application. This is assuming that their medical evidence establishes that their disability actually began that far back. And this illustrates why it is important to supply all known sources of medical treatment--and if the case is heard at a hearing to have a disability representative or disability lawyer who can provide a strong argument as to why a person was disabled, as of a certain date. Back pay benefits are simply what a person receives because they are owed benefits, after being approved, as a result of how long their case has gone on. However, unlike the SSI program (which only pays benefits, in the best case scenario, back to the date of application), SSDI can actually pay benefits for a number of months prior to the disability application date as long as the evidence supports that determination. In other words, if you are approved for SSDI, you may receive retroactive benefits along with a back payment of disability benefits. The maximum amount of retroactive benefit months is twelve. If you are approved for SSI disability, there are no retroactive disability benefits and the date of filing is the controlling factor. SSI disability back payment eligibility begins shortly after filing. And, similar to SSDI, you will have a large back payment of disability benefits if you are not approved until your disability hearing. 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 do you meet the Disability qualifications in NC? Receiving a Social Security Disability Award Letter Questions about Disability Lawyers and Hiring a Disability Attorney Social Security Attorneys and Disability Representatives Filing an Application for Disability Benefits under SSD or SSI How to Apply for Disability - Where do I go to apply? Filing for disability - How to apply for SSD or SSI |
