Man Receives $59K In Social Security Disability Back Pay
The government is supposed to work quickly to give us benefits we are owed, but sometimes that does not happen for some reason or another. It is important to be patient, but sometimes, people just cannot wait any longer.
A Philadelphia resident who has relied heavily on his faith said it was severely tested when he applied for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in 2021 after chronic lower back pain made working impossible.
By 2024, the Social Security Administration (SSA) had approved the man’s application and determined he was owed over two years’ worth of back payments, to the tune of more than $80,000. However, the back pay never showed up. He began receiving monthly benefits, but as of mid-2025, he was still waiting for the retroactive amount. After many unanswered calls and lost hope, the man turned to a consumer advocacy group for help.
Usually, once approval is granted, retroactive payments are released quickly. In fact, the money typically shows in your account before you even get the decision in the mail. But in the man’s case, the wait stretched out to nearly a year. One attorney familiar with SSA cases said this kind of lengthy delay is unusual unless there are complications.
Further review of his file showed that he was receiving both SSDI (based on work history) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is available to people with disabilities regardless of work history. He had already gotten about $22,000 in SSI back pay, which may have delayed the calculation of his remaining entitlement.
The consumer advocacy group reached out to the local congressional office to intervene, and within a few weeks, he received the remaining amount. Approximately $59,700 was deposited into his bank account, after adjusting for the earlier SSI payment.
The SSA did not comment on the specific case but explained that delays in back pay can happen for a number of reasons, including:
- If the case is selected for an additional quality review.
- When an applicant is receiving multiple benefits that must be coordinated or offset.
- Manual processing or technical system limitations.
- Problems with eligibility (such as income, resources, and living arrangements).
- Issues such as incorrect banking information, legal representation, or appointment of a payee.
- Overpayment recovery or required withholding.
The man feels reassured and grateful now that he has received the back pay he was owed. The case also highlights concerns that delays could grow worse as the SSA loses staff, especially in regional centers heavily impacted by workforce reductions.
Learn More About Social Security Disability Benefits
Many Americans are owed tens of thousands of dollars in back pay. This man is very lucky to get what he deserves.
Looking for help with your claim? See how a White Plains Social Security Disability lawyer from The Law Office of Michael Lawrence Varon can assist you. Our focus is on client commitment. Fill out the online form or call (914) 228-1770 to schedule a consultation today.
Source:
cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/social-security-back-pay/
