Direct answer
How far back does SSDI back pay go?
SSDI back pay can go back to your established onset date, but by regulation it cannot start earlier than 12 months before your application date and cannot include the five-month waiting period.
The 12-month retroactive cap and the five-month waiting period together set the earliest month SSDI benefits can be paid.
Sourced from ssa.gov — see citations below.
What is the 12-month cap?
SSDI regulations allow retroactive benefits for up to 12 months before the month of application, if you were disabled that long.
What is the five-month waiting period?
The first five full calendar months after the established onset date, during which no SSDI benefits are payable.
How is back pay calculated?
From the first month of entitlement (onset date + waiting period, but no earlier than 12 months before application) through the month the decision is effective.
Topics
Sources
Every figure and rule on this page is drawn from official SSA publications. Verify at the links below.
- SSA — Disability Benefits Publication (ssa.gov)
- SSA POMS — Retroactivity of SSDI Benefits (secure.ssa.gov)