Because the federal system is notoriously slow, many claimants are already facing financial hardship by the time they are granted Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Whether your inability to work was caused by a sudden accident or the long-term effects of a disabling condition, you deserve to be compensated for the time you spent without income.
Unfortunately, calculating Michigan SSDI back payment claims can be complex. At Thurswell Law, our SSDI attorneys frequently work to secure the full amount of benefits our clients are owed. We use our experience to help you plan for a stable financial future.
What Is SSDI Back Pay vs. Retroactive Benefits?
SSDI back pay and retroactive benefits are both intended to compensate for the time between when you became disabled and when you were approved for benefits. Back pay covers the months that pass after you have filed your application while the Social Security Administration (SSA) processes your claim. Retroactive benefits go further, compensating for months before your application date (up to a maximum of 12 months) if you can prove through medical documentation that your disability began well before you actually applied.
The total payment is calculated based on your Established Onset Date, which is when the SSA decides your disability began, rather than when you stopped working. You will typically receive it within 60 days of approval. Eligibility for both types of payments requires proving that your disability has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months or result in death.
To receive the maximum amount of retroactive benefits, you must demonstrate that your disability began at least 17 months before your application date (12 months of retroactive eligibility plus the mandatory five-month waiting period). It is important to note that the five-month waiting period applies to all SSDI claims, as no benefits are paid for the first five full months of disability.
Because SSDI back pay often represents a large amount covering multiple years, it can be taxable, though applicants may use lump-sum election to spread the income over the years it was owed to reduce the tax burden. Our Michigan lawyers at Thurswell Law meticulously calculate your potential award to ensure the government is not withholding funds unfairly in your SSDI back pay claim.
How Medical Evidence Dictates Your Back Pay Amount
The amount of money you receive in a lump sum for your claim is directly tied to the medical evidence your doctors establish. If your records show a clear history of treatment following an injury, it is much easier to prove an earlier onset date.
However, if there are gaps in your treatment, the SSA may try to move your onset date forward, significantly reducing your Michigan SSDI back pay claim. Our lawyers work tirelessly to gather every piece of evidence, from emergency room records to physical therapy notes, to lock in the earliest possible date.
Our attorneys are prepared to represent you at a hearing if the government disputes your onset date. During these proceedings, an Administrative Law Judge may ask detailed questions about when your symptoms first became disabling. We prepare you for these questions so that your testimony matches your medical records.
Our primary goal is to prevent the government from shaving months off your back pay through arbitrary decisions. We have the resources and the tenacity to challenge these rulings and secure the total compensation you have earned through your years of hard work.
Contact Our Michigan Attorneys About Your SSDI Back Pay Claim
While it is possible to apply for benefits on your own, having a legal advocate significantly increases your chances of a favorable result. The SSA often moves faster and more accurately when a reputable law firm is involved. At Thurswell Law, our attorneys handle the complex communication with the SSA, ensuring that your file is never buried at the bottom of a stack.
Since 1968, we have built a reputation for honesty and results, helping thousands of people recover the funds they need to move forward with their lives. Whether you are at the beginning of the Michigan SSDI back payment claims process or you are appealing a decision that gave you an incorrect onset date, we are here to help. Call our attorneys at Thurswell Law Firm to understand your rights and discuss your case.
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