SSI backpay for disabled granddaughter denied - is it true SSI doesn't pay back to application date?

That's incorrect information they gave you. SSI absolutely DOES provide backpay to the application date (or up to 3 months before application in some cases if you can prove disability existed). However, unlike SSDI, SSI backpay over a certain amount (currently about $2,350) is usually paid in up to 3 installments, 6 months apart. You should call SSA back and speak with a different representative. Be prepared to cite SSA POMS section SI 02001.020 which covers retroactive SSI payments.

when my nephew got approved for ssi they did backdated it to when we applied, took like 9 months for approval so got decent chunk. rep is wrong

The SSA representative was absolutely incorrect. I work with disability cases, and SSI does provide retroactive payments back to the application date (and sometimes up to 3 months prior if eligibility can be established). However, there are two important things to note: 1. For SSI, large backpayments (over $2,350 currently) are typically paid in installments, usually 3 payments 6 months apart. This is different from SSDI which pays in one lump sum. 2. You can request an exception to the installment schedule if there's a financial emergency or need for medical equipment. You'll need to submit form SSA-5002 and provide documentation of the need. For a child's case, nothing changes about the backpay rules, though there may be different considerations regarding the representative payee setup. I'd recommend calling back and asking to speak with a supervisor if the next representative also provides incorrect information.

when i got my ssi they gave me backpay but split it into 3 payments over like a year and a half which was really annoying. but yeah they definitely should go back to when you applied!! that person didn't know what they were talking about

I had a similar issue last year with my daughter's SSI claim. Getting through to Social Security was IMPOSSIBLE - I kept getting disconnected or waiting for hours. I finally tried Claimyr (claimyr.com) after someone recommended it, and they got me connected to an actual SSA agent in about 20 minutes! The agent confirmed that SSI absolutely does provide backpay to the application date. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Once I got through to a knowledgeable agent, they explained that SSI backpay over a certain amount gets paid in installments, but you can request an exception if you need it for medical equipment. Definitely worth trying their service instead of waiting on hold for hours.

THE SSA EMPLOYEES DON'T EVEN KNOW THEIR OWN RULES HALF THE TIME!!! My son's case was a NIGHTMARE like yours. I got told 5 different things by 5 different people. YES they back pay to application date BUT they do the stupid installment thing. Fight for expedited payments for the medical equipment!! Bring documentation from doctor saying it's NEEDED not just wanted. They made us wait 6 months between payments even though my son needed special equipment RIGHT AWAY. The system is BROKEN!!!!!

My grandson has been on SSI for 3 years now. When we first applied it took 5 months to get approved and we definitely got backpay to the application date. But like others said, they paid it in 3 installments which was annoying but better than nothing I guess. Good luck with your granddaughter, it's not easy being a grandparent raising special needs kids!

One more important thing regarding your situation: Since you mentioned you have custody but not guardianship, make sure you've been properly established as the Representative Payee. This shouldn't affect the backpay issue, but it could cause problems with receiving payments. The SSA requires proper documentation showing you're authorized to receive benefits on behalf of the child. If there's any question about this, bring your custody documentation with you to your next meeting or have it ready when you call.

After seeing your responses, I want to add: when you call back, specifically request to speak with someone in the SSI department who specializes in childhood disability claims. General representatives sometimes don't have specific training on these cases. For the expedited installment exception (to get the full backpay for medical equipment), you'll need: 1. Form SSA-5002 completed 2. Doctor's letter specifically stating what equipment is needed and why it's urgent 3. Cost estimate/invoice for the equipment 4. Statement explaining the hardship of waiting for installments Keep detailed notes of all conversations including the date, time, representative's name, and what was discussed. This documentation will be invaluable if there are further issues.