Q. If I Win My Social Security Disability Case, How Much “Back Pay” Will I Receive?

A. The exact amount of “back pay” you receive is determined by the Social Security program you are eligible for. The two (2) main Social Security programs are Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income. For Social Security Disability, benefits are based on the taxes you paid in, and can not be paid for more that one (1) year prior to the month your claim was filed. The first five (5) months of that period are withheld as a waiting period. For Supplemental Security Income, benefits based on financial need and the “back pay” will begin on the date you filed for disability. While acquiring Social Security approval may actually take a few years, the “back pay” will be retroactive to these dates.