Q. If I win my SS disability case, how much “back pay” will I get?

A. The exact amount of “back pay” will be determined by which SS program you are eligible for. The two (2) main SS disability programs are SSD and SSI. For SSD (benefits based on the taxes you paid in), benefits can’t be paid for more that one (1) year prior to the month your claim was filed. The first five (5) months of that period are withheld as a waiting period. For SSI benefits based on financial need, the “back pay” will begin on the date you filed for disability. While getting SS approval may actually take a few years, the “back pay” will be retroactive to these dates.