This simple social security back pay guide explains how disability back pay works, who can receive past-due benefits, and how to track payments.
If you’re unable to work due to a disability and have bills piling up, Social Security Disability could provide much-needed relief. Fortunately, Social Security Back Pay can help you receive the disability payments you would have earned if you were approved earlier. Keep reading to learn more about this option and how it can help you.
What Is Social Security Back Pay?
Social Security back pay is the term used for the past-due benefits that the Social Security Administration owes people who are found to have a disability under the Administration’s rules. When someone is deemed medically disabled under the Administration’s rules, they may be entitled to monthly benefits for the period before they applied for Social Security Disability
This retroactive payment is known as back pay and covers the time when the individual was eligible for benefits but had not yet received approval. To learn more about Social Security back pay and how it can help you, refer to the Social Security Handbook.
Who Gets Back Pay From Social Security?
Applicants who applied for Social Security Disability Income and are approved based on their disability are eligible to receive Back Pay from Social Security.
Can You Get Both SSI and SSDI Back Pay?
SSDI eligibility begins on your disability onset date, and therefore you would be entitled to back pay. It is possible that you may be eligible for additional “retroactive” benefits if you became disabled well before you applied. However, SSI is not retroactive, and you can not receive SSI back payments.
How Does Disability Back Pay Work?
According to the AARP, back pay covers the months between application and approval. Because SSDI eligibility technically begins with your disability onset date, you may be eligible for additional “retroactive” benefits if you became disabled well before you applied. SSI is not retroactive.
What Is the Maximum Back Pay For Disability?
Social Security Disability Income benefits can be returned to the year before the application date. This means you will receive a maximum of 12 months of back pay benefits.
How Far Back Does Disability Back Pay?
Social Security states that you are entitled to benefits beginning the first month in the retroactive period that meet all requirements, except for filing a disability application, for entitlement for disability benefits.
How Is Disability Back Pay Calculated?
If you file six months or more past full retirement age, you can get up to six months in back benefits. Back pay is calculated based on the months you must wait for approval after filing your Social Security Disability Income application.
How to Track My Disability Back Pay?
You can call the Social Security Administration’s toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, to receive information about your retroactive payment. The line is open 24 hours a day to determine your claim status and if your back payment has been processed and deposited into your bank account.
Also Read: How to Find a Good Disability Lawyer (9 Ways)
SSDI Back Pay vs Retroactive Pay: What’s the Difference?
Social Security Back Pay
Social Security Back Pay refers to the months between the submission of your application for disability and the date your disability application is approved.
Social Security Retroactive Pay
Retroactive benefits refer to the period of time between the date you became disabled and the date you applied for disability benefits.
Need Help With Your Social Security Back Pay? Call Us!
The attorneys at Evans Disability have years of combined experience and knowledge of solving Social Security Disability issues, including back pay and retroactive benefits. Contact them today at (855) 360-1010 for a free consultation.
Social Security Back Pay FAQ
How Long Does It Take To Get Disability Back Pay Once Approved?
The Social Security Administration states that if your application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is approved, you must wait five months before receiving your first SSDI benefits payment. This means you would receive your first payment in the sixth month after the Social Security Administration found that your disability began.
Does Social Security Back Pay Come In One Lump Sum?
Yes, Social Security’s back pay is distributed in one lump sum agreement. However, going forward, after your disability application is approved, your benefits will be paid out in monthly increments via direct deposit.
How Can I Get My SSDI Back Pay Faster?
You can speed up your back pay faster by enlisting the services of a knowledgeable and experienced Social Security Disability firm who can assist you with submitting all the required application materials, medical team reports, and medical records. In order to receive your SSDI back payment the fastest, you should ensure that you are meeting all of your deadlines.
Does Disability Back Pay Get Taxed?
SSDI benefits are taxable, so you must file taxes on the amount you received from Social Security Disability Income taxes.
However, as it is possible there are multiple years associated with your back pay amount, depending on the number of months you had to wait to receive your back pay, you may be able to attribute some of your taxes to the previous years so that you do not owe the taxes on the total amount in the current year.
What Are the SSDI Back Pay Spending Rules?
According to the Social Security Administration, you can spend your SSDI back pay on personal care items, clothing, and rehabilitation expenses. After paying those expenses, you are eligible to use the rest of the money to do things like pay any past-due bills you may have, or it may allow you to have some spending money.
How Much SSDI Back Pay Can Child Support Take?
If you become delinquent on your child support balance owed, your Social Security Disability Income amount can become garnished up to 65 percent of your SSDI back pay award.
However, after receiving your Social Security Disability Benefits, you may be able to request a modification of the child support order with the relevant court for your family law matter.
Can the IRS Take My Social Security Back Pay?
According to the Internal Revenue Service, the IRS may levy your Social Security benefits regardless of the amount under their Federal Payment Levy Program. They state further that fifteen percent of the Social Security benefit will be assessed through the Federal Payment Levy Program (FPLP) irrespective of whether or not the remaining benefit sent to you is less than $750.
