How to Track My Disability Back Pay

Purple
Jul 16
3 min read

When to expect it, how much you’ll get, and how to stay on top of it

Introduction: Waiting on Your Back Pay?

If you were recently approved for SSI or SSDI, you might be asking:

💵 “When will I get my back pay?”

📬 “How do I know how much I’m owed?”

📱 “Is there a way to track it online?”

The short answer:

✅ Yes, you’ll receive your disability back pay automatically — but it may take weeks or even months, depending on the type of benefits and your case.

This post breaks down:

✅ How back pay works for SSI vs SSDI

✅ Where to track your payment status

✅ What to do if it’s delayed

✅ How Purple helps you spot it instantly

1. What Is Disability Back Pay?

Back pay is the money Social Security owes you for the time between when you became disabled and when your benefits were finally approved.

There are two types of disability benefits with slightly different rules:

SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)
Back pay starts from your disability onset date, minus a 5-month waiting period.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
Back pay starts from your application date, and it’s often paid in up to three installments.

2. When Will I Get My Back Pay?

For SSDI:

Usually paid as a lump sum
Sent via direct deposit or mailed check
Typically arrives 1–3 months after approval

For SSI:

Often split into 3 smaller payments, 6 months apart
First payment usually comes within 60 days
May be paid all at once if your total is under $2,000

📌 SSA may send you a letter in advance telling you how much you’ll get and when to expect it.

3. Where to Track Your Back Pay

💻

Online:

Visit ssa.gov/myaccount
Look for updates under “Benefit Verification Letter” or “Payment History”

📞

By Phone:

Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213
Ask for your claim status or payment schedule

📬 SSA may also send a notice by mail explaining your back pay amount and timeline.

4. What If It’s Taking Too Long?

If it’s been more than 90 days since your approval and you haven’t received anything:

Call SSA to check for delays or missing documents
Contact your disability attorney if you have one
Visit your local SSA office to follow up in person

⚠️ Pro tip: SSA may withhold a portion of your back pay if you had an attorney (usually up to 25%).

5. How Purple Helps You Track Your Back Pay

💜 Real-Time Deposit Alerts

Know the moment your back pay hits your account — no more guessing.

💜 Deposit Tagging

We’ll automatically identify your SSA deposits, so you’ll see whether it’s SSI, SSDI, or a lump-sum payment.

💜 Smart Spend Tracking

Plan ahead and protect your SSI eligibility by monitoring your balance.

💜 Companion AI Support

Ask your Companion:

“Is this my back pay?”
“Will this deposit count against SSI?”
“How should I spend this money?”

FAQs About Disability Back Pay

⚠️ How do I know if my back pay was sent?

Check your Purple account for a new deposit or log in to SSA’s website.

⚠️ Can I get back pay in a lump sum?

Yes — SSDI back pay is lump sum. SSI may be split into 3 payments.

⚠️ Does SSA notify me before they send it?

Yes — they often send a letter with details.

⚠️ Can I spend my back pay any way I want?

Not always. SSI recipients should avoid exceeding resource limits. ABLE accounts can help.

Conclusion: Your Money Is Coming — Track It with Confidence

✅ Back pay is owed once your disability claim is approved

✅ Timing depends on your benefit type

✅ Purple helps you track every deposit — and avoid surprises

💜 Open your Purple account today and get real-time alerts when your back pay arrives.