Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) offers financial assistance to people who are unable to work due to a disability. The SSDI application process and the rules that apply to the program can be confusing. It can be challenging to understand how back pay and retroactive SSDI benefits work – although they sound similar, these payments serve two different purposes. Injured workers in the greater NYC area count on the Social Security Disability lawyers at Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, to help them understand the application process and SSDI back pay vs. retroactive pay.
What Are SSDI Retroactive Benefits?
Retroactive benefits refer to payments for the period between when an applicant became disabled and when they submitted their SSDI application. Retroactive SSDI benefits can be paid for up to 12 months prior to the date of the application as long as the applicant meets the eligibility criteria for disability during those 12 months. The purpose of SSDI retroactive benefits is to ensure that those who are eligible for Social Security Disability receive the full amount of benefits they are entitled to receive, even if there was a delay in applying.
What Is SSDI Back Pay?
Back pay refers to payments that cover the period between when an applicant submits an application for SSDI benefits and when they actually start receiving Social Security Disability payments. However, the Social Security Administration has a five-month waiting period during which no benefits are paid. For example, if the SSA approves your claim 10 months after your application date, you may receive up to five months’ worth of SSDI back pay. Back pay is typically paid as a lump sum when SSDI benefits are approved and may include retroactive benefits as well.
How an SSDI Lawyer in NYC Can Help You Get the Benefits You Need
Most SSDI claims are initially denied, but seeking the counsel of an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer can give you a better chance of obtaining all the benefits you’re eligible to receive, including SSDI retroactive benefits and back pay. They can help you gather medical evidence, ensure that all relevant information is included in your application and that it is completed correctly, and guide you through the process. If you’re unsure about whether you are entitled to back pay or retroactive benefits, your SSDI attorney can review your case and determine exactly what you may be owed.
If you receive an SSDI denial, a disability lawyer can also advocate for you throughout the appeals process and present a compelling case to the SSA. Whether you need help with your Social Security Disability application or an existing claim, hiring an experienced attorney like the SSDI lawyers at Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, can give you the legal representation and support you need to put you on a path toward a successful outcome.
Contact an SSDI Attorney in the Greater NYC Area
The Social Security Disability attorneys and workers’ compensation lawyers at Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, are dedicated to serving injured workers and SSDI applicants in the greater NYC area. Attorney and partner Rolando Cubela is proud to offer legal services to our Spanish-speaking clients. If you need assistance with an SSDI application or appeal, call us at 718-273-9000 or contact us to schedule a free consultation.
