Back pay, as it applies to benefits, refers to benefits that are past due. It is generally paid out in most every successful disability case. The reason for this is the fact that the cases take so long from beginning to end, so applicants are owed benefits when it is all said and done. You will be awarded back pay for the benefits which you should have been receiving during the application process. It is helpful to have an attorney representing you so that you can be sure that you receive all the back pay you are entitled to.
Almost everyone who is awarded disability benefits will get back pay. But when will you receive it? And how far back will it go? You will be hard-pressed to determine when your back pay will be received, but usually the first installment of your back pay will be sent within sixty days after you are approved for Social Security Disability.
Sometimes, however, it doesn't work that way. Back pay may even be deposited into your bank account without any award notice being sent. In some other cases, your back pay might fail to appear for months.
A lot of this inconsistency is because back payments are not processed at the same office where you applied for your Social Security Disability benefits. The office that handles your back payment may be in another state, and they are often bogged down with paperwork.
Regarding how far back your back pay will go, it usually depends on how long the claim has been in a pending phase, and on that date you gave for the beginning of your disability. Your disability attorney can help to assure that all information provided is accurate, so that this will not delay any benefits or back pay.
Once a date of onset is established, your back pay will generally depend on when you filed your claim for Social Security Disability benefits.
