Date of Application and Relation to Back Pay

Your Social Security Disability (SSDI) past due payment (backpay) is determined by your application date (protective filing date), disability onset date, and the five-month mandatory waiting  period for SSDI.

Social Security will use the date you filed a disability application as the protective filing date.  Past due amounts cannot be paid prior to 12 months from the application date.  Disability benefits will not be paid during the five month waiting period, which are the five months after your date of entitlement.

Conversely, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments usually begin the first full month after your application date.  SSI cannot be paid for any time period prior to the application date.