What Is SSDI Back Pay?

SSDI back pay refers to the retroactive benefits owed to you from the time the Social Security Administration (SSA) determines you became disabled to the time your claim is approved. Because SSDI applications can take several months or longer to process, most successful applicants qualify for back pay.

How the Back Pay Period Is Calculated

There are two important dates involved in determining how much back pay you will receive:

1. Alleged Onset Date (AOD)

This is the date you claim your disability began when you submit your SSDI application.

2. Established Onset Date (EOD)

This is the date the SSA agrees your disability started, based on medical evidence and your work history. Your back pay is calculated from the EOD, not necessarily the date you applied.

The 5-Month Waiting Period

SSDI has a mandatory five-month waiting period, which means the SSA will not pay benefits for the first five full months after your EOD. This waiting period is built into the system to ensure that only long-term disabilities are covered.

For example:
If your EOD is January 1 and your application is approved in September, you would be eligible to start receiving benefits in June, and your back pay would be calculated from that date.

Retroactive Benefits (Before Application Date)

In some cases, SSA may also award retroactive benefits, which are different from standard back pay. Retroactive benefits can be paid for up to 12 months before the application date, if:

• You were disabled during that time
• You meet SSDI’s work credit requirements
• You provide strong medical evidence that proves your condition started earlier

How Back Pay Is Delivered in Utah

SSDI back pay is typically paid as a lump sum and sent to your bank account through direct deposit. If you used a disability attorney, the SSA will automatically deduct their fee from your back pay (usually 25% or up to $7,200) and send it directly to your lawyer.



Once approved, you can expect back pay to be deposited within 60 days, though many recipients see it arrive sooner.