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SSDI length of time for back pay?

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on
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Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

When I initially met with my attorney, I was told that back pay would go back one year from application, minus 5 months (I had already waited over 2 years to file because I was told I would have "full recovery" after my 2 fusion surgeries). I've received my acceptance letter but not my back pay yet, and during my search for more info on the process I came across a SSDI page stating that even if it takes 24 months for your claim to get approved, you can only receive pay for 12 months. Can anybody help clarify this for me please? Also, I have friends who received their back pay before or immediately after their approval letters (NY), but I've seen posts by people saying it took several months so I was wondering if there was a formula for when I can expect mine? I'm not looking to go on a spending spree, but I have a mortgage, car payment, property and school taxes, and children to feed and clothe as well as one in an expensive college. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and all input is appreciated.

Bryan

Hi Jeff,
The average wait time for an ALJ hearing is 17 months, so it seems your hearing is coming up faster than many others.

Mon, 01/23/2017 - 10:09 Permalink
Bryan

Hi Jeff,
I really could not say, as we are not affiliated with the SSA or the federal government and as such don't have any information about specific disability cases.

Mon, 01/23/2017 - 12:05 Permalink
Chris Cal (not verified)

On my Social Security page it says under payment detail the date of 1-23-17 one time payment and the #. Does this mean the money has been sent out on the 23rd?

Mon, 01/23/2017 - 10:29 Permalink
Bethy (not verified)

I received a partial and have had my SSDI benefits since September 2015. They originally said my onset date was Jan 2015 so I appealed because I've been sick since Jan 2009. It seemed to have went well. My question is how long after judge makes a decision would back pay be deposited into my account?

Mon, 01/23/2017 - 11:17 Permalink
chris Calaitges (not verified)

I received my back pay for 3 years 1 month after my decision and 1 month before payments are to begin. Also I haven't received my award letter yet. I feel very lucky after reading all the posts how it takes 4 months.

Mon, 01/30/2017 - 08:27 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

I got all my letters first check start Feb 1st 2017,so when willbi get back pay, already got letter on payment for my lawyer

Thu, 01/26/2017 - 07:06 Permalink
Eric

Hello,

For us to give you the most accurate information, can you please provide us with a little bit more information regarding your case.

Best Wishes,
Eric

Thu, 01/26/2017 - 16:16 Permalink
Anonyous (not verified)

I originally applied for SSDI 2003, my case was mishandled by my attorney and had to start the process all over again with another attorney in 2004. Was denied twice by the same ALJ, then was told by my attorney at the time he didn't handle federal law cases. So I had 45 days to find an attorney that did federal cases, luckily for me I did and was able to get my case in on time. All in all it took me 12 years to finally win my case! I started receiving my monthly benefits in May 2016 and received my award letter right away stating I would be receiving my back pay that the judge allotted me going back to 2008, which is a rather large amount of money within 45 days. A letter arrived from my attorney notifying me that he had been paid his fee back in October 2016. I didn't receive this letter until Dec.2016. It has been 8 months and I have been to the local SSA office and have called every two weeks since to check on the statis of my back pay. The answer I receive from the same person is that," it is in the payment center and that I don't need to keep calling, that there are only so many of them and 30,000,00 disability cases." And may I add she doesn't say it very nicely. I was told by someone to call my congressman, but I'm not sure what they may be able to do for me. I waited 14 years to win my case and I feel I shouldn't have to wait any longer. I never received SSI or unemployment so there is no reason for them to be holding up my back pay! How much longer am I going to have to wait????

Thu, 01/26/2017 - 13:19 Permalink
Mom (not verified)

My ex applied for DI in 2014. He was denied 2x, and finally met with a judge on Jan 11th, 2017.
The judge only awarded back pay for 6 months, not the full 3 years. Minus out lawyers fee from that.
I am waiting for child support, he has the paperwork ready to turn in, and I filed with the state in 2014. Will I get back child support from his lump sum, will they take his funds, or should I not expect any back CS? He said it should be about $700 for both children each month. I don't know when and what to expect or if I should be doing anything with state to let them know.Thank you.

Thu, 01/26/2017 - 17:43 Permalink
penny golden (not verified)

Hi steve
I filed a reconsideration in august 2015 and for some reason i had to do a walk in to check on my status after getting the run around on the phone. Finally had to go in office on oct, 14 2016. And the exzaminer had it sitting on er desk for know apparent reason that could see everything was completed. left thinking she was going to do her job. but found out it was still sitting on her desk as of jan, 27, 217. when i again went in to the office. finally after checking status on line today it is finally at the medical detremination office. she caim she was going to exspidetite it. Can you tell me why it took to years please. very upset with the examiner for procrastnting and i had done my part almost two years ago.

Sun, 01/29/2017 - 11:39 Permalink
Bryan

Hi Penny,
Disability claims can take a long time due to the amount of volume that the SSA receives, in fact for an ALJ hearing it takes 17 months on average to be scheduled.

Tue, 01/31/2017 - 17:04 Permalink
Tiesha (not verified)

I applied in auguest 2016 I'm still waiting for them to give me a answer if I'm approved or denied how long it takes for a answer

Mon, 01/30/2017 - 01:19 Permalink
Eric

Hi Tiesha,

I am really sorry to hear that. Unfortunately, there is no set time frame for a Social Security or SSI disability claim to be approved or denied. The length of time it takes to make a disability determination depends on a broad range of variables, including how many times you have to go through the disability process (initial claim, reconsideration, and hearing)

Best Wishes,
Eric

Mon, 01/30/2017 - 17:13 Permalink
unknown (not verified)

I think it varies case to case, I applied around the same time you did and still waiting it is very frustrating especially when you can't work and pay bills. If you have a lawyer you can ask them if they heard anything . but it is just a waiting game, I seen some get approved right away and some it takes yrs. I have a lawyer and still waiting. Good luck with your case

Sun, 03/26/2017 - 11:32 Permalink

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