It often takes time for The Social Security Administration to approve Social Security disability benefits. However, a majority of those who are approved will receive back payments for the time they spent waiting for a decision to be made.

How Your Back Pay Is Determined

The amount of back pay you’ll receive depends on a few factors, including:

  • The application date. If you’re awarded disability benefits, you may receive back pay from the date you applied for disability. You may even receive retroactive payments for a year prior to your application. Retroactive payments are paid for the months you were disabled before you applied for benefits.
  • The date of disability. When you fill out your Social Security application forms, you will cite the date your injury or disability began, which is also called the alleged onset date. Once you’ve been approved, Social Security will then designate an established onset date, which is decided based on your medical records and work history. If you are owed back pay, the Administration may begin paying you money that is owed from this date.
  • A five-month waiting period. Those who are approved for Social Security benefits are placed on a five-month waiting period and will have five months removed from the beginning of their disability. This means the date of entitlement doesn’t start until five months after the established onset date.

If You’re Confused About Social Security Benefits, You’re Not Alone

Applying for Social Security can be a difficult process and hard to understand. And when you’re injured and unable to work, the last thing you need to worry about is how to navigate through this complex terrain.

Fortunately, the attorneys of Johnson and Gilbert have experience dealing with Social Security matters and can do the work for you. Contact us today to learn how.

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