You should receive disability back pay within a few months of getting approved for benefits. When you apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the Social Security Administration (SSA) may take a long time to approve your claim.
It could be a year or more before you gain approval if you have to appeal a denied disability claim. When this occurs, you will receive back pay for the time you spent waiting for approval.
If you do not receive your back pay within two to three months of your approval, you should discuss your case with your Morganton Social Security Disability lawyer. They can check to see what is causing the delay.
How do Claimants Normally Receive Their SSDI Back Pay?
In most cases, the SSA will automatically approve, calculate, and send back pay for disbursement within a few months of the claimant receiving approval for benefits.
Generally, this comes as a lump sum payment. However, under some circumstances, they could send it in two or three smaller payments. This is typically done only if it is a large amount and the sudden influx of cash would cause problems for the claimant with income-based programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
What Factors Affect Back Pay Disbursement?
Several issues could delay your SSDI back pay. Most of these are administrative, and there is not much you can do to change them. It takes time for the SSA to process your approval and calculate the money owed. Delays due to federal holidays, backlogs, and other problems are common.
Issues with your bank account information can also delay back pay. You should ensure this information is correct so the SSA can process your payment as soon as it is ready.
Lastly, if you needed to appeal or challenge a denial or any other findings in your case, it might delay your back pay. For example, if you were approved for benefits but at a much lower level than you believe you deserve, your disability benefits attorney may need to challenge this calculation. This could delay your benefits and back pay.
Understanding SSDI Back Pay
SSDI claimants could receive a lump sum payment to cover the time between when they claim their disability started and when they received approval of their claim. A mandatory five-month waiting period applies before claimants begin receiving monthly benefits, according to the SSA.
Sometimes, it could take a long time to receive approval because the SSA requires additional information or evaluations of the claimant’s health or abilities. It could take even longer if they do not receive approval based on their initial claim and need to request reconsideration or appeal the denial.
Claimants might also receive retroactive benefits, depending on the onset date of their disability. Working with an SSDI lawyer can ensure you seek all benefits and lump sum payments you deserve based on your diagnosis and condition.
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How Can I Get My Back Pay as Soon as Possible?
There are some ways to increase the odds of receiving your back pay as soon as possible following your benefits approval. These include:
- Ensure all required documentation is accurate and up-to-date
- Respond promptly to any requests for additional information
- Review your method of receiving back pay and consider direct deposit instead of a paper check
- If you are challenging a denial, work with an attorney to advocate for the benefits you need and deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About SSDI Back Pay
Some questions SSDI lawyers commonly answer about SSDI back pay include:
How Will I Receive My SSDI Back Pay?
Most claimants receive their SSDI back pay in a check or direct deposit within a few months of approval. This will come separately from your monthly disability payment.
What Happens If the SSA Denied My Application Initially?
If the SSA denied your initial disability application, your lawyer can help you navigate the appeals process. This process takes time, so you can expect an extensive delay before you receive benefits or back pay. However, you will receive back pay for up to 12 months of missed disability payments once you get approval.
How does Back Pay Affect SSI or Other Benefits?
A lump sum back payment could affect your Supplemental Security Income benefits since SSI requires recipients to meet strict income and asset limits. For this reason, those who also receive SSI may receive several smaller payments for back pay instead of a single lump sum. Retroactive benefits may be paid out the same way to protect SSI eligibility.
How Much do I Have to Pay My SSDI Attorney?
SSDI lawyers generally work based on contingency. Their fees are a portion of the back pay you receive. They understand how long it takes to receive your SSDI back pay and will wait to get their money until the SSA disburses this payment.
Discuss Your SSDI Claim With Our Team Today for Free
Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC provides free consultations for those who need help securing the Social Security Disability Insurance benefits they deserve when they cannot work because of a long-term or permanent injury or illness. We assist with SSDI claims and back pay issues. We have multiple offices across North and South Carolina.
Contact us online or via telephone today to discuss your options with our SSDI team in a free initial consultation.