One thing most people know about applying for Social Security is that it takes a long time. The time from when you stop working until the date you are approved can take months and months. All the while, your benefits are accumulating, and this money is known as back pay. Read below to find out why back pay is linked to the way you can have legal help with your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) case.

Financial Problems and Medical Problems

Social Security applicants can get hit with two major issues at once. Applicants cannot earn any income after they apply for Social Security and before they are approved for benefits. For most, getting by is difficult. Some applicants may hear about how much easier it is to be approved for SSDI if they have a lawyer. Other applicants may not realize that they can use a Social Security lawyer to take the burden off of them while they wait. If they qualify, they may do so without having to pay any money to the lawyer at this time.

What Back Pay Is

The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes the length of time it can take for an application to be approved. That is why they will pay approved applicants for the time they have to wait. The time for calculating back pay begins the day you leave your job. This date is known as the last date of insurance by the SSA. The SSA puts your monthly payment aside during the application process and then pays you the money all at once. The amount can be considerable and is sure to be welcome for distressed applicants. Back pay has another great benefit, however.

Contingency Plans and Back Pay

Social Security lawyers often work on what is known as a contingency fee basis. That means they withhold billing for their legal services until you get approved for benefits. All the while, you are benefiting from the expertise of Social Security lawyers. If you end up not being approved for benefits, you will owe the lawyer nothing at all.

Subtract Five Months

When calculating back pay, be sure to subtract five months. This a mandatory waiting period in which applicants do not accumulate any benefits. While this results in a reduction in back pay, many applicants are still thrilled with finally being paid their benefits.

You will need legal help if you end taking your SSDI case to the appeal level. Don't try to navigate the process alone, get help by speaking to a Social Security lawyer right away.

To learn more, contact an attorney.