If you are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or both, it often takes a significant amount of time to get approved. However, once you are approved, you may receive not only ongoing monthly payments but also a lump-sum award for the months—or even years—during which you were disabled and should have been receiving benefits.
Exactly how much you might receive in back benefits depends on when you applied, when your disability began, and whether you are applying for SSDI, SSI, or both. Below, we break down how the Social Security Administration (SSA) calculates back benefits for each type of program.
SSDI Back Benefits
Under SSDI, your back benefits depend on two main factors:
- Your Established Onset Date (the date SSA determines you became disabled).
- The date you filed your application.
Example of SSDI Back Payments
- Application Date: January 1, 2023
- Approval Date: July 1, 2025
- Disability Onset Date: January 1, 2023 (as determined by SSA)
If SSA finds you became disabled on the same day you applied, your benefits would begin June 1, 2023, because there is a five-month waiting period from the established onset date to the date your benefits start. In this scenario, you would receive over two years of back benefits (from June 1, 2023, to July 1, 2025).
Receiving Benefits for an Earlier Onset Date
You can potentially receive back benefits for up to 12 months before you applied if you can prove you became disabled earlier than your application date. For instance, if you filed on January 1, 2023, you might receive back benefits dating back to January 1, 2022. However, because of the five-month waiting period, you would need to show that your disability began no later than August 1, 2021—17 months before you applied—to receive the full 12 months of benefits before your application date.
It is important to note that 12 months is the maximum pre-application period for SSDI benefits. Even if you became disabled more than 17 months before applying, the earliest back benefits you could receive are for 12 months prior to the date of application.
SSI Back Benefits
SSI rules for back benefits differ in two key ways:
- Benefits Begin the Month You File: Back benefits under SSI start no earlier than the month you submitted your application.
- No Five-Month Waiting Period: While SSDI requires a five-month waiting period, SSI does not.
Example of SSI Back Payments
- Application Date: January 1, 2024
- Approval Date: January 1, 2025
Because SSI benefits begin the month you apply, you would receive back benefits for the period from January 2024 through January 2025—12 months of back benefits—regardless of how long you were disabled before filing.
Why Apply for Both SSI and SSDI?
In 2025, the monthly SSI benefit is $967, which may be lower than what you could receive through SSDI if you have a sufficient work history. However, it is wise to apply for both programs if you think you might qualify, as this ensures you do not miss out on potential benefits. An experienced disability benefits attorney can help you determine which programs you are eligible for and guide you through the application process.
If you would like assistance with your Social Security Disability Insurance application or appeal, please contact one of Hawks Quindel S.C.’s experienced disability attorneys for a free consultation. We serve clients throughout the Midwest and are ready to help you secure the benefits you deserve.