Get It Back: Back Pay And Retroactive Pay

Posted on: 14 August 2017

If you are applying for Social Security Disability benefits, you may be beginning to understand just how long and complicated the road to final approval can be. The Social Security Administration (SSA) also knows that it takes a long time to get benefits, and have instituted a few methods to help ease your financial situation. The SSA offers people who've been approved for benefits two different ways to be compensated for the time lag, retroactive pay and back pay. Read on to learn more.

Don't Waste Any Time Before Applying

You can only take advantage of these two valuable programs if you apply as soon as you know that you are unable to work at your job any longer. The date that you became disabled is important to the SSA, since the amount of the special benefit payments are based on that date (known as the "look back" date).

Understanding Retroactive Pay

If your medical disability caused you to be unable to work at your job, but for some reason you were unable to apply for benefits for some time, you may be able to get retroactive pay. The form of payment is meant to bridge the gap between the time you apply for benefits and the time you became unable to work at your job.

Understanding Back Pay

The date of your application is used to calculate your back pay, which is the pay that is meant to cover the period of time between your application date and the time that your application for benefits is finally approved. Using the amount of your normal monthly benefit (once you are approved), you are compensated in one lump sum amount. It is from this amount that the moneys to pay for any professional legal help you might have needed to get your case appealed and approved comes. This payment can often be quite large, since it can take many months, or even years in some cases, to finally get your benefits started.

Understanding the Waiting Period

There is, however, another slight sticking point for applicants to be aware of: the waiting period. All applicants, regardless of need, must endure a mandatory 5 month waiting period before the monetary payments can begin. Unfortunately, while undergoing this waiting period no benefits will accrue and you will not be compensated for the time.

Talk to a Social Security attorney as soon as you get a denial. With their help, you can appeal the adversarial ruling and get the benefits you need and deserve. For more information, contact experts such as Scott E. Shaffman Attorney At Law.

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