It can take months for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) approval.
You may be entitled to back pay for the months you were waiting approval.
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How does it work?
Approval for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can take months. The SSI program is overseen by the Social Security Administration (SSA). They provide cash benefits to people with disabilities that need income assistance. Find more information here.
You might be entitled to back pay from the months you were waiting to be approved. Knowing how SSI back pay is calculated could help you figure out how much you’re getting.
Back pay refers to the benefits you may have gotten from the SSA between time of application and approval. If a claim goes through the appeals process before it has been approved, there are usually a few missed payments.
Each step of the appeal process adds extra time to getting approved. This means missed payments add up. You should receive all of the missed payments from the appeal in your back pay.
SSI does not have retroactive benefits. That means that you won’t be able to get compensation for the months you were disabled prior to filing for benefits.
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How is SSI back pay calculated?
SSI back pay is calculated by the SSA. When determining your backpay, they look at 1. when you applied for welfare and 2. when the SSA approved your claim.
The calculation is relatively simple. The SSA multiplies the months between your application date and your approval date by your monthly payment.
For example, if you get the maximum $735 benefit but you wait eight months for SSA approval, you would be entitled to $5,880 in back pay.
Some states provide an additional benefit to those who qualify for SSI but don’t meet all of the requirements. This is usually due to reasons like income or resources that are higher than the federal limit, but lower than the states.
Some states have their own supplements, but you have to apply or be contacted by the state. If your state has a a program you may be eligible for, the Social Security office will refer you to the right agency to apply.
If your income and living arrangements haven’t changed, your SSI may increase. As the Consumer Price Index rises, your SSI will too.
However, there is an exception. Residents of a Medicaid institution aren’t eligible for a cost-of-living increase on their $30 Federal Benefit Amount.
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