Ask the Los Angeles Social Security Attorneys:
What Is the Waiting Period for Social Security Disability?

Our experienced Los Angeles area Social Security Attorneys are frequently asked by applicants what the “waiting period” is to receive Social Security Disability.

Unfortunately, there can be several long waiting periods associated with the Social Security Disability application and appeals process.

The “waiting period” many people are referring to is the time between the date they file for Social Security Disability benefits and the date they receive their first Social Security disability check. This waiting period will depend upon a number of factors. More applicants are denied than are approved. So most Social Security Claimants have the delay of going through an appeals hearing – and if that is denied, then it can be more than a year before they reach the next step, which is a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.

Attorneys Explain Social Security Disability 5 Month Waiting Period

The next “waiting period” is the five-months after you have been approved.  It’s hard to believe but the way the system works is that Social Security will not pay you for your first five months of benefits. There is an exception to this for people whose case has been working its way through the system for at least 17 months.

The way this works is fairly complicated. Our Los Angeles area Social Security Attorneys will explain it here – but it is also best to speak to an experienced Social Security Disability attorney about the specifics of your unique case.

Once you are approved for disability benefits, you are assigned a date on which the Social Security Administration (SSA) has decided your disability began. This date is called an “established onset date”. It is determined based on your medical records. Then your disability payments are calculated from this date –including back-pay if any.

However, the maximum Social Security Disability Insurance back pay (also called “accrued benefits” or “past due benefits”) allowed is 12 months. The twelve months starts to run from your established onset date. But these SSDI benefits are reduced by the five-month waiting period.

For example, if your established onset date is five months before to the date your claim is approved, you will receive no back pay for those five months (5 – 5 = 0). If, however, your established onset date is 11 months prior to the date of approval, you will receive 6 months of past due benefits (11 – 5 = 6).

But remember, the maximum amount of past due benefits (back pay) you can receive is 12 months. So if your established onset date is 20 months prior to your approval date (20 – 5 = 15) you will still only get 12 months of allowable back pay – not 15.

Sound confusing? It is! To understand what waiting periods apply to your Social Security Disability Benefits, call our experienced Social Security Disability attorneys today. We will offer you a FREE CONSULTATION to help you understand your benefits.

Our Los Angeles Area Social Security Attorneys Can Help

If you have any questions about applying for Social Security Disability, call our experienced Los Angeles Area Social Security Attorneys. Our attorneys will offer you a FREE CONSULTATION to make sure that you are doing everything possible to speed up your Social Security Disability claim – and make sure that you have the very best chance of being approved for Social Security Disability benefits.

Los Angeles Area Social Security Attorneys: 800-964-8047

Our Los Angeles Area Social Security Attorneys Serve Clients In:

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