Social Security Disability back pay can make a huge difference for many eligible Missouri residents. Back pay compensates individuals for the time they waited for approval after applying for SSD benefits.
Understanding how exactly back pay works can help you know what to expect once you receive SSD approval.
How does SSD back pay work?
Back pay covers the period between when you became disabled and the date of your SSD approval. This is the “retroactive period,” and the amount you receive depends on several factors. These include the date of disability onset, the application date and the time it took for the Social Security Administration to process your claim.
How far back does back pay go?
The SSA may determine that you became disabled long before you applied for benefits. In such cases, you can receive retroactive benefits for up to 12 months before your application date. However, there is a five-month waiting period for SSD benefits, meaning back pay does not cover the first five months after the disability began.
For example, if someone in Missouri applied for SSD on January 1, 2023, but the SSA determined they became disabled on January 1, 2022, they could receive back pay for up to 12 months prior to their application date, minus the five-month waiting period. In this case, the person could be eligible for seven months of back pay.
How will I receive my SSD back pay?
The SSA usually pays back pay out in one lump sum and delivered either through direct deposit or a check. The time it takes to receive back pay varies but often ranges from a few months to over a year after approval, depending on the complexity of the case.
Missouri residents should remember that SSD back pay does not automatically include Supplemental Security Income. If you are eligible for both SSD and SSI, you may receive separate payments for each.
Fully understanding back pay can help you navigate your SSD claim with confidence. You deserve the full amount of compensation owed to you for the time spent waiting for approval.
