Will I get back pay if my claim is approved after the hearing?

Yes, you could receive back pay if you win your case at a hearing. Social Security uses your disability onset date to determine how many months of benefits you missed while waiting for a decision. If you qualify, they should send you those past-due benefits after your claim is approved.

Still, you might wonder, “How long after my disability hearing will I get my check?” The answer depends on how long it takes the Social Security Administration (SSA) to process your award. Every case is different, but the Social Security hearing decision timeline often lasts several weeks or even months after the hearing.

Back Pay Depends on the Type of Benefit

Your potential back pay depends on the type of Social Security benefit you applied for. The rules work differently for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

In both programs, the SSA will check your eligibility month by month. If you win your appeal, they will pay you for the months you qualified while waiting for approval.

Here’s a closer look at how back pay eligibility differs for both types of disability benefits.

SSDI

If you qualify for SSDI, you can usually get back pay for up to 12 months before the date you filed your application – as long as you met all the medical and work requirements during that time. However, SSDI has a five-month waiting period for most applications, which starts the month after your disability begins. So even if you win your appeal, your back pay benefits likely won’t include the first five full months of your disability.

SSI

SSI does not allow back pay for months before your application. However, there is no waiting period. If you win your appeal, Social Security will pay you for the time between your application date and the decision – as long as you met all eligibility rules during that time. This type of back pay can cover the months you waited for the SSA to review your case. It can also include months after you appeal if the SSA takes extra time to issue a decision or process your payment.

How Long Does It Take to Receive My Back Pay After a Hearing?

The disability hearing decision wait time can range from a few weeks to a few months. Once a judge approves your claim, the SSA still needs time to finalize your payment. They must calculate how much you’re owed and check your records for accuracy. You will typically receive your SSDI back pay benefits in a lump sum, usually within a few months after your claim is approved. However, larger payments for SSI back pay benefits may come in three installments over six-month intervals.