# What is the SSDI 5-month waiting period?

The waiting period is set by Section 223 of the Social Security Act. It does not apply to ALS claims — for ALS, benefits begin the first full month of entitlement.

**Direct answer:** The SSDI 5-month waiting period is a federal rule that no SSDI cash benefits are paid for the first five full calendar months after the SSA-established disability onset date, meaning your first monthly check is for the sixth full month of disability.

## How long is the wait?
Five full calendar months from the established onset date; the first check covers month six.

   
## Are there exceptions?
Yes — claimants with ALS have no waiting period.

## Sources
- SSA — Apply for Disability Benefits — https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/apply.html

## Related questions
- [When do SSDI payments start?](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/when-do-ssdi-payments-start)
- [How long does SSDI approval take?](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/how-long-does-ssdi-approval-take)
## Topics
- 5-Month Waiting Period — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/what-is-the-ssdi-5-month-waiting-period
- SSDI — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/ssdi

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