If you've been approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you may be owed back pay—also called retroactive benefits. This is money owed to you for the time between when you became disabled and when your benefits were approved. Here's everything you need to know about tracking your disability back pay and understanding when it will arrive.
What Is Disability Back Pay?
Back pay covers the gap between your disability onset date (when you became disabled) and your approval date. Because the disability application process often takes months or even years, this amount can be substantial.
For SSDI recipients: Back pay can include payments going back up to 12 months before your application date, plus the time between your application and approval. However, there's a mandatory 5-month waiting period after your onset date before SSDI benefits begin—you won't receive back pay for those five months.
For SSI recipients: Back pay typically starts from the first full month after you applied, since SSI doesn't include retroactive benefits for time before your application. However, if you were found "presumptively disabled," you may have received payments while your application was being processed.
How to Check the Status of Your Disability Back Pay
Step 1: Log into your my Social Security account Visit ssa.gov/myaccount to access your personal account. Under "Benefits & Payment Details," you can see information about pending and processed payments.
Step 2: Check your claim status If you're still waiting for approval, go to ssa.gov/apply/check-application-or-appeal-status to see where you are in the process and when SSA expects to have a decision.
Step 3: Review your award letter Once approved, you'll receive an award letter detailing your monthly benefit amount and any back pay owed. This letter specifies when you can expect your back payment.
Step 4: Call SSA if needed If you've been approved but haven't received your back pay, call 1-800-772-1213 with your Social Security number ready. Representatives can tell you the status of your payment and whether it's been processed.
How Long Does It Take to Receive Back Pay?
After your disability claim is approved, back pay typically arrives within 60 days. However, the timing and method depend on the amount:
Lump sum payment: If your back pay is a manageable amount, SSA usually sends it as a single payment deposited directly into your bank account.
Installment payments (SSI only): If you're receiving SSI and your back pay exceeds three times the federal benefit rate, SSA may divide it into up to three installments paid six months apart. This rule exists because SSI has resource limits, and a large lump sum could temporarily disqualify you from benefits.
How Back Pay Is Calculated
SSA determines your back pay by calculating what you would have received monthly between your onset date (minus any waiting period) and your approval date. Here's a simplified example:
- Establish onset date: January 1, 2024
- Add 5-month waiting period (SSDI): Benefits begin June 1, 2024
- Application date: January 1, 2025
- Approval date: January 1, 2026
- Back pay period: June 2024 through December 2025 = 19 months
If your monthly benefit is $1,500, your back pay would be approximately $28,500 (19 months × $1,500).
SSA then subtracts any income you received during that period that would have affected your benefits.
What If Your Back Pay Doesn't Arrive?
If you've been approved and your back pay hasn't arrived within 60 days:
- Check your my Social Security account for any messages or updates
- Verify your direct deposit information is correct
- Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to confirm the payment status
- Visit your local Social Security office if phone wait times are too long
Keep in mind that if you have an attorney representing you, their fee (typically 25% of back pay, up to $7,200) will be deducted before you receive your payment.
Tax Implications of Back Pay
Disability back pay is potentially taxable income. You'll receive a Form SSA-1099 showing the total benefits paid to you for the tax year. If you receive a large lump sum that includes benefits for prior years, you have two options for calculating taxes:
- Include all benefits in your current year's income
- Use the "lump-sum election" method to potentially reduce your tax liability
Consider consulting a tax professional if you receive significant back pay.
Track Your Disability Benefits with Purple
Waiting for disability back pay is stressful enough without worrying about when it will hit your account. Purple sends instant notifications when your deposits arrive, tracks your benefit history, and helps you manage your finances while navigating the disability system.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. For specific questions about your disability benefits, contact the Social Security Administration directly.