# When do SSDI payments start?

Once you are approved, the SSA issues back pay in a lump sum and begins regular monthly payments on a schedule based on your birth date.

**Direct answer:** SSDI payments start with the sixth full month after the SSA-established disability onset date, because federal law imposes a 5-month waiting period; back pay covers the months between onset (plus the waiting period) and approval.

## When does the first check arrive?
The first monthly check is for the sixth full month after your established onset date.

   
## What about back pay?
Any months of entitlement before approval are paid as a lump-sum back-pay award.

   
## When is the monthly payment date?
The SSA pays on the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Wednesday of the month based on the recipient's birth date.

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

## Related questions
- [What is the SSDI 5-month waiting period?](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/what-is-the-ssdi-5-month-waiting-period)
- [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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