1. What Is Disability Back Pay?

Disability back pay is the retroactive payment SSA owes you for the months between:

• Your established onset date (EOD): When SSA determined your disability began
• Your approval date: When SSA awarded benefits

For SSDI, back pay often includes a five-month waiting period, so payments start from the sixth month after your disability onset date. SSI back pay is calculated from the application date or the date you became eligible, whichever is later.

2. When Should You Expect Back Pay?

Generally:

• SSDI back pay is processed within 60 days of approval, but delays are common
• SSI back pay may be issued in installments if the total exceeds $2,000, with payments spaced six months apart
• Combined SSI and SSDI back pay follow SSI’s installment rules for SSI portions

3. How to Check Your Disability Back Pay Status

a. Check Online via My Social Security

The fastest way to check your back pay status is through your My Social Security account:

1. Visit ssa.gov/myaccount
2. Log in or create your account
3. Click “Benefits & Payments” to view:

• Payment dates
• Amounts scheduled
• Back pay processing updates

Your online account is updated regularly and often shows payment status before paper notices arrive by mail.

b. Call SSA Directly

Contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778):

• Speak with a representative about your back pay processing status
• Have your Social Security number and approval details ready for faster assistance
• Call early in the morning or mid-week to reduce wait times

c. Contact Your Local SSA Office

If online and phone inquiries do not provide clear answers, visit or call your local Social Security office in North Carolina. The staff can:

• Check your claim processing details internally
• Explain any delays or additional requirements needed before releasing your back pay

Find your local office using SSA’s online Field Office Locator.

d. Speak With Your Disability Attorney or Representative

If Hogan Smith or another representative assisted with your case, contact them to:

• Confirm whether your back pay release has been communicated to their office
• Ensure no outstanding forms (such as bank information for direct deposit) are delaying payment

Attorneys receive their fee portion directly from SSA before releasing the remaining funds to you.

4. Common Reasons for Back Pay Delays

Your disability back pay might be delayed due to:

• SSA processing backlog, especially after a high volume of approvals
• Incomplete direct deposit details or incorrect bank account information
• Garnishments or offsets, such as child support arrears, which SSA must process before releasing payment
• Waiting for Medicare enrollment processing, which is often coordinated alongside SSDI back pay

5. Tips to Avoid Further Delays

• Ensure your banking information is current with SSA to avoid payment rejections
• Respond promptly to any SSA requests for documentation
• Check your approval notice carefully to understand how your back pay was calculated and when you should expect it
• If you have not received your back pay within 90 days, contact SSA or your representative to escalate the inquiry