Getting approved for Social Security disability benefits can take time, sometimes a lot of time, but the good news is you may be entitled to receive what are known as past due payments to compensate your patience. Just know, there are two distinct types of past due payments a person can get. So, to help you know which one is right for you, or if you can get both, we’ve laid it all out for you below!
What Is Back Pay?
Back pay refers to a specific type of benefit that’s allocated to an individual specifically to compensate them for the financial assistance they missed out on in the time between their initial application and final approval.
What Are Retroactive Benefits?
Retroactive benefits go back further than, and may be awarded in addition to, regular back pay. This type of benefit is designed to compensate an individual for the time they were unable to receive assistance going back all the way to the original onset date of their disability. In order for you to receive retroactive benefits, however, you will need a variety of medical records to prove to the Social Security Administration (SSA) your alleged onset date.
How They Are Similar
On top of both being forms of compensation used to amend the past, back pay and retroactive benefits are similar because they are both subject to a 12-month limit, meaning if you were forced to wait longer than 12 months for approval, or you did not apply for benefits for more than a year, you will not be compensated for that additional time. This, of course, does not include the mandatory five-month waiting period all potential recipients are forced to endure. Therefore, in order to even claim compensation for the entire 12 months, your total wait time has to either meet or exceed 17 months for both.
How They Are Different
The most significant difference between back pay and retroactive pay is simply the time frames they each cover. Back pay covers only the time spent waiting between application and approval, retroactive pay covers from the onset date of disability up through to the day you apply – and together, they can add up to quite a nice sum. However, you may only be entitled to one or the other, which is why you should always get help when trying to claim the benefits you’re entitled to.
Claiming The Benefits You’re Entitled To
For help claiming every benefit you’re entitled during your upcoming dealings with the SSA, enlist the help of our formally trained, eager Social Security disability attorneys at Aiello Law Group today. People who choose Aiello Law Group to represent them usually get their Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) award faster. Call us, today, at 313.964.4900 or fill out the form in the sidebar or on our contact page, and learn more about how we can help you.
