The period between when one becomes unable to maintain employment and when any approved benefits kick in can be a stressful and trying process. While SSDI benefits may act to provide aid to eligible individuals who are in need, the process may by no means be quick, even if one is approved on the initial application. While it might take time to start receiving benefits, the date of the onset of a health condition may stay the same, and individuals in New Jersey may be entitled to receive back pay for this period.
Onset date and back pay
Back pay is a term that refers to a payment that covers the period between the onset of a condition and the approval of SSDI benefits. This may come in the form of a lump sum when one first starts receiving benefit payments. While the application process can be lengthy in nature, especially when appealing a denial decision, back pay will still be calculated based on the number of months since the onset of one’s condition and the amount one is set to receive via SSDI benefits.
The appeals process can take up to a year at times, and those who go through a couple of appeals before being approved for benefits may receive back pay for multiple years’ worth of benefit payments. This may help provide much-needed relief after a difficult time in life. However, it could also trigger certain tax issues at times, and knowing how best to handle such matters may be imperative.
Knowing what to expect
While it may be helpful to know that there will be restitution for the waiting period after receiving approval for SSDI benefits, making it through this period can be a harrowing process. Individuals in New Jersey who face a similar scenario in life and wish to take every possible measure to improve their odds of being approved could benefit from retaining the services of an attorney in the initial stages of the process. An attorney can evaluate the situation a client is facing and assist in preparing to seek the full amount of benefits available through the proper outlets.
