Social Security backpay confusion - only got one month after widow benefits approval

In most cases, Social Security payments are paid the month AFTER the month they're due for. So your November payment would be received in December. The agent probably approved your benefits EFFECTIVE November, not retroactive to your application date. Did they specifically tell you that you'd get payments going back to September?

the same thing happened with my husbands benefit!!! he applied in July and only got paid starting in September. when he called they said something about a "month of entitlement" rule where the first check is for the month after you apply. its so confusing!!

There's something called the "month of entitlement" that determines when benefits actually begin. For survivor benefits (which is what widow benefits are), you're typically entitled starting the month you apply, BUT Social Security doesn't pay benefits for the month of death if the person died after the first day of the month. Also important - Social Security benefits are paid in arrears, meaning you receive January's benefit in February, February's in March, etc. If you applied in early September, your first payment would normally be for September (paid in October). So something does seem off. I would call SSA and specifically ask: 1. What is your month of entitlement (when do your benefits officially start)? 2. Why weren't you paid for September and October if you applied in early September? It's possible there was a misunderstanding or an error in processing.

My condolences on your loss. When I applied for survivors benefits last year, I had a similar issue! The first payment was delayed and didn't include what I thought it should. Turned out there was confusion about when my husband had passed (they had wrong date in system) which affected when my benefits started. Definitely double check all the dates they have on file!

After dealing with the same frustrating wait times trying to resolve my benefit issues, I finally tried a service called Claimyr that got me through to a live SSA agent in under 10 minutes. Their system basically navigates the SSA phone tree for you and calls you back when they have an agent on the line. Saved me hours of frustration! I watched their demo at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU before trying it. Definitely worth it for getting your backpay questions answered since it sounds like you might be owed money.

THE SSA IS STEALING FROM WIDOWS!!! they did the EXACT same thing to me last year and when i FINALLY got someone on the phone they gave me some garbage about "processing delays" and "payment cycles" but i know they were just hoping i would give up!!! DEMAND to speak to a supervisor and tell them you know your rights!!!

Just to add to my previous comment - there's also something called the "effective date" versus the "protective filing date" that could be affecting your payment. If you called SSA in early September but didn't complete your application until your October 18th appointment, they might have used October as your filing month instead of September (though they shouldn't if you clearly expressed intent to file in September). Also, if you were already collecting any other type of Social Security benefit, that could affect when your widow benefits begin. The rules get complicated with dual entitlement situations. Definitely call and get clarification on exactly what your official filing date is, what your month of entitlement is, and why you only received payment for November.

did you sign up for direct deposit? sometimes they send the backpay as a separate deposit or even a paper check even if your regular benefits are direct deposit. check your informed delivery from usps if you have it to see if theres a check coming

After you call SSA and get this sorted out, I recommend creating a my Social Security account online at ssa.gov if you haven't already. You can see your payment history there, which makes it easier to track what you've received and when. The online account also shows your payment dates and amounts, and you can request benefit verification letters if needed for your medical billing.

I went through something very similar when I applied for widow benefits two years ago. The key thing to understand is that Social Security has what they call a "protective filing date" - this is when you first contacted them expressing intent to file, even if you didn't complete everything right away. If you called in early September, that should be your protective filing date, and your benefits should start from September (paid in October). The fact that you only received November's payment in December suggests they may have incorrectly used your October 18th appointment date as your filing date instead of your September contact. This is a common error that can cost you months of backpay. When you call (and I know the wait times are terrible), specifically ask them to confirm: - Your protective filing date - Your month of entitlement - Why September and October weren't included in your payment Don't let them brush you off - you have the right to those backpayments if you're entitled to them. Also ask them to send you a written explanation of their decision. If they won't fix it over the phone, you can file an appeal. The $2,900 is worth fighting for, especially with medical bills pending.

I'm so sorry for your loss and the stress of dealing with this on top of everything else you're going through. Based on what others have shared here, it really sounds like there may have been an error with your protective filing date. When you first called SSA in September expressing your intent to file for widow benefits, that should have established your filing date - even if you didn't complete all the paperwork until your October appointment. The missing September and October payments ($2,900) could make a real difference for your medical bills. When you do get through to someone at SSA, I'd suggest being very clear and persistent about wanting to understand why your benefits didn't start in September when you first contacted them. Sometimes it helps to ask to speak with a technical expert or supervisor if the first person you talk to can't give you a clear explanation. Keep detailed notes of every call - date, time, who you spoke with, and what they told you. This documentation could be crucial if you need to file an appeal later. You've been through enough already, and you deserve to get the full benefits you're entitled to.

I've been helping people navigate Social Security issues for years, and your situation definitely sounds like a protective filing date problem. When you called SSA in early September to start your widow benefits application, that call should have established your protective filing date - meaning your benefits should start from September, not from when you completed everything in October. The $2,900 difference between what you received and what you should have received is significant, especially with medical bills pending. Here's what I'd recommend when you call: 1. Be very specific: "I need to verify my protective filing date. I first contacted SSA about widow benefits in early September." 2. Ask them to pull up the record of that initial call - they should have documentation of when you first expressed intent to file. 3. If they claim October 18th is your filing date, ask them to explain why your September contact doesn't qualify as a protective filing. 4. Request a written explanation of their decision and ask about the appeals process if they won't correct it. Don't give up on this. SSA makes mistakes with protective filing dates more often than they should, and many people don't realize they're entitled to those earlier months. You have every right to question this and get the backpay you're owed.

I'm sorry you're dealing with this frustrating situation during an already difficult time. Based on what you've described, it really does sound like there may be an issue with how SSA processed your protective filing date. One thing that might help while you're trying to get through to SSA - if you still have any documentation from your early September contact (like a confirmation number, email, or notes you took), gather that before you call. Even something like your phone records showing you called SSA in September could be helpful evidence. Also, when you do get through, don't hesitate to ask for a supervisor if the first agent can't adequately explain the discrepancy. Sometimes front-line agents aren't as familiar with protective filing rules, and a supervisor might be more equipped to review your case properly. The fact that multiple people here have experienced similar issues suggests this isn't uncommon, which is both frustrating and reassuring - frustrating that it happens, but reassuring that you're not wrong to question it. Keep pushing for those answers about your September and October payments. That $2,900 is rightfully yours if you're entitled to it.

I work as a benefits counselor and see this protective filing date issue come up frequently with widow benefits. Your situation is textbook - you contacted SSA in September expressing intent to file, which absolutely should establish your protective filing date regardless of when you completed the paperwork in October. Here's something that might help: when you call SSA, ask them to look up your "Modernized Claims System" (MCS) record. This should show the date of your initial contact. If they can't find a September record, ask them to check their "Internet Claims" system as well, since sometimes initial contacts get logged in different systems. Also, be prepared for them to potentially ask about the specific nature of your September call - they might claim it was just "inquiry" rather than "intent to file." Make it clear that you called specifically to start your widow benefits application process, not just to ask general questions. If you hit roadblocks, you can also contact your local Social Security office directly - sometimes they're more helpful than the national 800 number. And if all else fails, your congressional representative's office can often help resolve SSA disputes like this. Don't let them shortchange you on those missing months. The rules are on your side here.