Can I do What I want with my Social Security Back Pay?   "I want to know the rules about back pay. Things like what you are allowed to do with your back pay and what you aren't allowed to do with back pay. Am I allowed to just take the whole back pay out of the bank and do whatever I want?" Social Security never deducts money from back pay except for fee withholding, in which they hold the fee that is due to an attorney (or a non-attorney who has been approved for withholding) for providing representation on your claim. As far as back pay rules regarding what you can do with your back pay, there are no rules if you are entitled to a back payment of Social Security Disability benefits. However, if your back payment is based upon entitlement to SSI, there are rules that apply. Remember, SSI disability entitlement is based upon need so there are income and resource limits. Therefore, Social Security releases SSI disability back pay in increments rather than all at one time. If an individual needs some of their back pay between those scheduled releases they must be in a dire situation such as "loss of home". If you are not sure if your claim was filed in the Social Security Disability or SSI disability program (or both programs if you have a concurrent claim), you may wish to contact the social security office where your claim was taken. 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: Factors that affect the disability back payment? What Social Security Disability back pay is based on Back pay means just that, the back payment of disability benefits How far back Social Security will pay disability benefits to a disabled person SSI back pay can become a substantial amount Tips for Social Security Disability Psychological and mental testing How Long does a Social Security Disability Determination take After Seeing the Psychologist? Social Security Disability Mental Psychological Exam and Questions that get Asked Does social security deny strong disability claims? Social Security Disability is different from VA disability Why are you denied the first time you are denied for disability? What Happens To Social Security Disability Benefits After Divorce? Can I do What I want with my Social Security Back Pay? How much information should you put on a disability application? What disability claimants get angry about - Part I Social Security and not getting the medical records Social Security Disability will sometimes order X-rays but never an MRI These pages provide answers to basic questions about pursuing disability benefits Who is eligible for SSI disability? How to get disability in Florida