Initial Approval and Payment Timeline

Once you’ve been approved for SSDI benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will send you a notice of award that explains the amount of your monthly benefits and the date when you’ll begin receiving them. Here’s the general timeline:

• First Payment: If your application is approved, your first SSDI payment usually arrives within 1 to 2 months after your approval date.
• Back Payments: If you were disabled before your application date, you may be entitled to back pay for the months between the time you became disabled and your approval date. This could be paid as a lump sum or in installments, depending on the SSA's decision.

When Do SSDI Benefits Start?

Typically, SSDI benefits will not start immediately after your approval. Here’s why:

• Five-Month Waiting Period: The SSA imposes a five-month waiting period before you can begin receiving SSDI benefits. This means that even if you are approved, you won’t receive benefits for the first five months following your disability onset date. The SSA considers this period as a time for determining whether your condition is likely to persist.
• Example: If your disability began on January 1 and you were approved in June, your first SSDI payment might be scheduled for July (after the 5-month waiting period).

How Long Will It Take to Receive Your First Payment?

While the timeline varies from person to person, here are the general steps involved after approval:

• Approval Notice: After approval, the SSA will send you an approval letter and details about your monthly benefit amount.
• Back Pay: If you are entitled to back pay, the SSA will process that as quickly as possible. It may be paid in lump sums or installments, but most people receive it within 90 days after approval.
• First Monthly Payment: You can expect your first monthly SSDI benefit to arrive approximately 1 to 2 months after your approval notice. The exact timing will depend on your payment schedule (usually monthly) and the SSA’s internal processing time.

Why It Might Take Longer to Receive SSDI Benefits

There are a few reasons why receiving your SSDI benefits might take longer than expected:

• Backlog of Claims: Sometimes, the SSA experiences a backlog in processing claims, which can cause delays. The SSA works hard to process claims efficiently, but delays are still possible.
• Payment Method: Depending on how you choose to receive your benefits (direct deposit or through a Direct Express card), there may be additional processing time.
• Incomplete or Missing Information: If there are any issues with the information you submitted (e.g., missing medical records, incomplete forms, or discrepancies in your employment history), this can delay the process. Make sure all your paperwork is accurate and complete to avoid delays.

How to Check the Status of Your SSDI Benefits

If you're waiting for your SSDI benefits and want to know the status, here are a few steps you can take:

• Create an SSA Online Account: You can use the SSA’s online portal (my Social Security account) to track the status of your claim, check when payments are due, and see if there are any issues with your claim.
• Call the SSA: If you haven’t received a payment or have questions about your timeline, you can always call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 for more information.