When do Social Security disability payments begin and end?

Social Security Disability payments begin 5 months after your onset date because there is a 5 month waiting period.

A person may be entitled to retroactive disability benefits up to 12 months prior to the month the Application is filed.

Payments end if:

• The Claimant reaches retirement age and the benefits are switched to the retirement amount.

• The Claimant has a medical recovery and the payments may end following the second month after recovery.

• The Claimant returns to work and earns over $960 per month.

• The Claimant dies; then, the payments end the month before the Claimant dies.