Back pay is money Social Security owes you for the months before your SSDI benefits officially started. If you were disabled before your claim was approved, you may receive a lump sum covering those earlier months. Understanding how Social Security calculates this amount—and what affects it—helps you know what to expect when your benefits begin.
The articles here explain how the calculation works, what delays or changes might affect your back pay, and what happens if you received other income during the waiting period. You'll learn about the rules that determine your final amount and how to review your payment for accuracy.