Social Security Questions and Answers

If I remember correctly the back pay came sometime after he began getting his SSDI. I don't remember that it was more than a month or two. I believe a letter came first detailing the amount.

I found this on Myler Disability, http://ssdisabilityapplication.com/social-security-disability/terms/back-pay/

"In the case of Disability (DIB), or Title II benefits, the back pay will have a five-month waiting period from the Onset Date. For example, if a claimant were found to be disabled as of January 1, she would not be eligible for disability back pay until May 1. The back pay would then extend from May 1 to the approval date. Another important restriction regarding Disability back pay is that it can only extend up to 12 months before the Date of Filing. For example, a claimant who has been disabled for years, but perhaps waited until recently to file a claim, could only receive past due benefits for the year before he or she filed the initial application.

If a claimant has been approved for both SSI and Disability, the amounts will offset. This means that he or she will receive two Award Notices—one from Disability, and one from SSI. The amounts quoted on these notices reflect their own calculations and not the actual total amount that will be awarded. Social Security does not "double pay" benefits. For example, if SSI awards $500 and Disability awards $1000, the total amount sent will NOT be $1500. The total amount will be $1000 because the amounts offset. There may also be an offset if the claimant is receiving Workers Compensation benefits. Your disability representative can explain any offsets that may apply in your specific situation.

It is also important to note that back pay checks are processed separately. In many cases, claimants receive their first monthly check (or even a few months’ worth) before the back pay check is received. This is because the back pay check often takes longer to process."

In my case, I applied for SSDI in November of 2011.  My official stage 4 diagnosis (lung biopsy) was March 11, 2011, but I had had unexplained pleural effusions the previous summer and a breast lump that didn't show up on mammogram and ultrasound in May 2010.  SS contacted all my doctors and decided that the stage 4 breast cancer onset was August 2010.  Add 5 months, and my retroactive pay went back to February 2011 and I got a check for 10 months (Feb through Nov) that came in December, immediately followed by my first check.  It does appear that you can't get more than 12 months back pay, and it doesn't start for five months after either the onset SS determines or when you last worked, whichever is later.  So it doesn't always take longer for the back pay check to be processed.  I was astonished at how quickly everything was handled.  I do have active disease, but I filled out all the forms and thought I'd be turned down since I have only minor side effects from anastrozole and I'm in fairly good shape otherwise.  This may depend on where and when you apply.  I felt ambivalent about being considered disabled, but with my diagnosis, I'm not likely to get much out of Social Security otherwise.

I think this means that you can only go back a maximum of 12 months before your filing date.  If it takes a while to get the decision, that time is added on.

Saw your posting.  I'm only guessing, but if they say you aren't disabled after that date perhaps it's due to the NED status and not enough documentation about your limitations such as with neuropathy & mac. degeneration, etc.  Not being able to feel or having limited sight, etc. should be well documented & I would think qualify you for complete disability.  I know someone on disability due to neuropathy due to chemo & rightly so.  Can't hardly stand, walk and is in pain most of the time.  Don't know how to advise you regarding protesting as it sounds like you are going to rec. a lot of back pay, but would advise to get a lawyer that specializes in this.  Technicially you now qualify for medicare as it's been 2 years, sticky situation - find a good lawyer!

Do you know what non medical means? 

BUMP...:)

Today SS called and asked me to see one of their psychiatrist??? Made application last month and this is first contact any clue?

Thanks Chickadee I will

Did not apply for SSI. Both myself and son are on SSDI. I was successful without additional help both times. I think its because I am a bit anal about reading the policy. They honestly quite often don't know their own process. They initially awarded my son SSI even though we did not apply for that. He has a cognitive disability from birth. So that was another headache I had to nail them on. SSI is far more restrictive on income and assets and can be a challenge I'm sure.



Are you going to have to stop working due to BC? Your signature indicates Stage 1 so that would be a challenge for SSDI. If you indicated emotional issues and are applying for SSI then you may well have to see their shrink. They are contractors. My advice, be prepared to provide the SSA doctor copies of your records that pertain to the issue claimed. My sons SSA shrink was grateful for the thick file of supporting docs I brought because the SSA office sent him nothing even though that is supposed to be part of the process. He photocopied my docs, interviewed my son and recommended approval. I'm sure it would have been more difficult without those documents.

SSI = Supplemental Security Income. SSDI Social Security Disability Insurance



SSDI is available to those who have worked and paid SS taxes. It is provided to those unable to work due to a verifiable disability that is likely to prevent them from working for 12 months or more.



SSI is available to individuals with few assets and no employment. SSI is not an area I claim experience in but I know its restrictive, as it should be and doesn't pay much.



You may want to spend some time on SSA.GOV.

Thanks, Chickadee ... so, I, too, rec. my first ck. Aug 3, but it was last year.  So what you are saying is Medicare becomes active the month before, July, interesting ...  Well, I have another year ... hope it's enough time to figure out medigap/supplemental.  Guess it varies by State.  

Vacationbound - I got my first direct deposit before I received notification that I was approved for SSD!.  The letter came about a week later.

I do believe you can go to your personalized SSA webpage and make the change. Go to the My Profile tab.

Thank you for the link Chickadee, I forgot that I had made an online profile sometime back, I just needed to find my PW LOL! It had my benefits letter on there too! The payment said "One Time" which I guess it will say that every month but it say's I am entitled to monthly disability benefits! Thank you so much for all of your help and a special thank you to Steven for helping so many folks, including myself-we would be lost without you! Thank you and God bless!

Hi SyrMom,

You would start Medicare 2 yrs from active payment Start Date so it would start in August. They will notify you 3-4 mos+ ahead of Aug to let you decide which plan you want: Part A-Hospital which is Free, Part B-Medical (if spouse does not have a plan) and/or Part D-drug. Part B and Part D you have payments deducted from your monthly check. Then check on Med Supplimentary Plans available in your area to see what is affordable as a Secondary Insurance. Good Luck!!! Pat