What is SSDI Back Pay?

SSDI back pay compensates you for the time between:

• Your established onset date (EOD) – when SSA determines your disability began
• Your approval date – when SSA officially approves your claim

Because the SSDI application process can take several months or even years, back pay ensures you receive benefits for the time you were eligible but waiting for a decision.

How is Back Pay Calculated?

1. Established Onset Date (EOD)

SSA determines your EOD based on your medical records and the date you allege your disability began. The earlier your EOD, the more back pay you may receive.

2. Five-Month Waiting Period

For SSDI, there is a mandatory five-month waiting period after your EOD before benefits start. For example:

• If SSA sets your EOD as January 1, your benefits would begin in June (after the five-month wait).
• Back pay will cover from month six onward until your claim is approved.

How Far Back Can SSDI Back Pay Go?

SSDI back pay can go back up to 12 months before your application date, but only if:

• Your disability onset date is at least 17 months before approval (five-month wait + 12 months retroactive pay)

For example:

• You apply on January 1, 2024
• SSA determines your disability began on January 1, 2022
• You may receive back pay from January 2023 (12 months before applying), minus the five-month waiting period

When Do You Receive Back Pay?

Your back pay is usually:

• Paid in a lump sum
• Deposited directly into your bank account shortly after your approval letter is received

Does SSI Provide Back Pay?

If you are approved for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in Texas, you can also receive back pay. However:

• SSI back pay begins from the date of your application, not before
• SSI back pay is typically paid in three installments if the total amount exceeds a certain limit, unless you qualify for an exception to receive it as a lump sum