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

Generally speaking, yes, you will get ‘back-pay’ benefits if your claim is approved. The amount will depend on the type of benefits and the date you became disabled.

Generally, within two to three months after your hearing, the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) will make a decision on your claim. If you are approved, you should expect another two to three months for the decision to be processed before you start receiving your checks.

There is no waiting period for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. So, you should receive all benefits you are owed from the date of your disability through the time that you win your appeal.

However, there is a five-month waiting period with Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. So, your back-pay benefits will date back to the end of that five-month period.