Disability Waiting Period Calculator

Federal law requires a mandatory 5-month waiting period before SSDI cash payments can begin. The waiting period starts the first full month after your established onset date (EOD). Your first payable month is month 6.

Yes. The 5-month waiting period is waived for individuals diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS / Lou Gehrig's disease). Benefits can start the first full month of disability.

Retroactive benefits cover the period before your application date (capped at a max of 12 months). Back pay covers the period after your application date while your claim is pending (no cap).

By law, retroactive SSDI benefits can pay a maximum of 12 months prior to your application filing date, regardless of how long you were disabled before applying.

The 5-month waiting period is unpaid. If your claim takes a long time to approve, you will receive back pay for all months starting from your first payable month (month 6) onwards.

Unlike SSI, SSDI back pay is paid as a single lump-sum check. It is typically deposited into your bank account within 60 days of your official approval notice.

Yes. If you used a representative, the SSA will deduct their fee directly from your back-pay lump sum. The representative's fee is capped at 25% of past-due benefits or a statutory dollar limit.

Yes. Public disability benefits, workers' compensation, or prior SSI payments for the same period may reduce your retroactive SSDI lump sum under offset rules.