Why do you receive a Social Security Disability benefit back payment?   Good afternoon, When a person is awarded disability and paid a lump sum from the time they filed until it was awarded--is this considered a pain and suffering award, or back pay for loss of wages? It would be very much appreciated if I could get an answer today, please. A back payment of disability benefits is generally paid as one lump sum. This is strictly monthly benefits payable back to the date a person is entitled to receive a monthly disability benefit. When a person is "entitled" will depend on several things and can be a little confusing to understand so we will be very brief in discussing this. First, when did they apply for disability? On the disability application, a person will allege a date that their condition, or various conditions, made them disabled and unable to engage in substantial and gainful work activity. This is known as their AOD, or alleged onset of disability. Secondly, when did their disability begin, as proven by their medical evidence? The date for this is known as their EOD, or established onset of disability. Thirdly, when they are entitled? This is where Social Security applies what is known as the five month waiting period to all claims involving Social Security Disability (but not SSI which does not have a waiting period). A back payment for SSD does not involve compensation for pain or lost wages*. It is simply money that is owed to a person who A) has filed for disability, B) been approved, and C) is owed X number of months of disability benefits because of D) how long their claim has taken, and E) how far back their entitlement date has been established. Without a doubt, this makes it very plain and obvious just why it is that a person filing for disability should try to prove a disability claim as far back as possible. That, of course, means supplying Social Security with as much information as possible about one's conditions and history of treatment. Note: If the date of entitlement is not in the past but in the future, there would be no back payment or lump sum payment. *Eligibility for disability benefits under either SSD or SSI is based on whether a person is, as a result of their condition, unable to engage in work activity at a level that earns them a substantial and gainful income. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: What is the maximum back pay you can get for Social Security Disability? What is Social Security Disability Back Pay? How Far Back Can SSI Back Pay Be Paid? When can I expect my first disability check and my back pay check? How does back pay for Social Security Disability work? If I Am Determined Disabled, How Far Back Will Social Security Pay Benefits? Does Social Security Hold Back The First five Months Of Back Pay? Social Security Disability SSI - Retroactive Benefits Vs Back Pay Benefits Do you always get disability back payments from social security? Social Security Disability Lawyers and 21% Back Pay How much can you receive in disability backpay in North Carolina? Why do you receive a Social Security Disability benefit back payment?