What Is SSDI Back Pay?

SSDI back pay is the money the Social Security Administration (SSA) owes you for the time between when you became disabled and when your benefits were approved. Since SSDI applications often take months or even years to process, back pay ensures you receive the benefits you would have collected had your claim been approved sooner.

How the SSA Determines Back Pay in Florida

1. Alleged Onset Date (AOD): The date you claim your disability began.
2. Established Onset Date (EOD): The date the SSA agrees your disability began, based on medical evidence.
3. Five-Month Waiting Period: SSDI has a built-in waiting period. You cannot receive payments for the first five months of disability, even if approved.
4. Approval Date: The date your application or appeal is finally approved.

Your back pay is calculated from the EOD, minus the five-month waiting period, through the time it took for your claim to be approved.

Retroactive Benefits in Florida

In addition to back pay, the SSA may provide retroactive benefits for up to 12 months before your application date if you can prove that your disability began earlier. This means if you became disabled well before you applied, you may receive an even larger payment.

How SSDI Back Pay Is Paid in Florida

• Lump Sum Payment: Back pay is typically paid as a single lump sum, deposited directly into your bank account.
• Attorney Fees Deducted First: If you hired an attorney, their approved fees (capped at 25% of back pay or $7,200, whichever is lower) are deducted before you receive your payment.
• Additional Benefits: If you also qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), back pay may be structured differently. SSI back pay is sometimes split into installments.

Why SSDI Back Pay Matters

• Helps you catch up on overdue bills and medical expenses.
• Provides financial stability after a long wait.
• Ensures you’re compensated fairly for the time you were disabled but not yet receiving benefits.