When can I expect my first disability check and my back pay check?

How to prove you are disabled
and win disability benefits

"Are you able to tell me, or is anyone able to tell me when I can expect my first disability check and my back pay check? I am behind on my house payment and my bills and am being threatened to have my utilities shut off. Is my name on a list anywhere for a scheduled payment? My disability was approved on April 17th if that helps."

I cannot say exactly when you will receive your first disability check, however most disability applicant receive their first disability check within four to six weeks of being approved for disability benefits. Your disability back payment of benefits if you are entitled to any may take longer, especially if you were entitled to receive some SSI benefits.

If you were entitled to some SSI disability, Social Security cannot clear your disability back payment through the normal automated process, thus it takes more time to process the award manually.

If you are behind on your house payment, I would contact them and provide them with a copy of your award notice. Due to the current economic climate, mortgage companies often work with homeowners when they are aware they have been approved for disability benefits. I hope this helps answer your question.

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Individual Questions and Answers

How long will it usually take to receive Social Security disability after you have been approved?

Is qualifying for SSI different than SSD (social security disability?

Do I automatically receive Medicare benefits if I'm approved for disability benefits?

Why Are Child SSI Cases Often Turned Down By Social Security Examiners?

Is There Social Security Disability For Children?

The Cost and Expenses of a Disability Attorney or a Disability Representative

What are Medical Experts at Social Security disability hearings?

Filing for SSI Disability

Applying for disability benefits in Washington

Qualifying for Disability - What is Social Security Looking for?

What Are the Social Security Disability Requirements For Personal Assets?

If You File For Social Security Disability How Far Back Will They Look At Your Medical Records?

If you get denied for disability do you have to file a new application ?

Medical Examinations for Social Security Disability and SSI

What Happens When You File A Second SSA Disability Claim?

If Social Security Disability sends you to an Exam, will it be done by your doctor?

My Social Security Disability Claim Status

When is a Person Considered Fully Disabled by Social Security?

Social Security Disability SSI Criteria and the Evaluation Process

How does back pay for Social Security disability work ?

Winning a Social Security Disability Appeal or SSI Appeal

Steps for Filing A Disability Claim Under SSI or SSD

When Social Security Disability Sends You To A Doctor, What Kind Is It?

How will an attorney help me win disability benefits?

Qualifying for disability benefits with the social security administration

Social Security Disability and SSI Eligibility

How Do You Win An SSI or Social Security Disability Hearing?

Are the Chances of Winning Disability Benefits Higher at a Social Security Hearing with a Judge?

Do I Have A Good Chance Of Winning Social Security Disability On Appeal?

Filing for SSD Disability - When Should You put in a Claim?

What happens if you get denied for social security disability three times?

Disability Criteria - Eligibility For Social Security and SSI Disability

Hiring a Qualified Disability Lawyer in Kentucky

What do you if you get a disability claim denial? - Requirements for Disability

SSD and SSI are Federal Programs

The title II Social Security Disability and title 16 SSI Disability programs operate under federal guidelines and, therefore, the program requirements--medical and non-medical--apply to all states:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Recent approval and denial statistics for various states can be viewed here:

Social Security Disability, SSI Approval and Denial Statistics by state

Special Section: Disability Lawyers and unnecessary claim denials