Social Security disability backpay denied because of SSI - Is this correct when both started together?

You're absolutely right to question this. When someone receives concurrent benefits (both SSI and Social Security disability), they should receive backpay from BOTH programs, adjusted appropriately. This is especially true when both benefits began on the same date. SSI is means-tested and reduces payments when you have other income (including Social Security). The fact that SSI already calculated the backpay correctly by reducing it to account for the Social Security benefit strongly suggests there's been an error on the Social Security side. Your brother should immediately: 1. Request a detailed explanation in writing about why the SS backpay was denied 2. File a reconsideration if the denial doesn't make sense 3. Contact his local Congressman's office - they can often help resolve SSA errors quickly

i had almost the exact same thing happen with my cousin last year!!! took us 4 months to get it fixed. they kept saying "but you got SSI" and we kept having to explain that the backpay amount should be different. what worked was getting a supervisor on the phone instead of the regular reps who just kept saying the same wrong thing over and over

The SSA makes these kinds of errors ALL THE TIME with concurrent benefits. Your brother is 100% entitled to backpay from BOTH programs! What's happening is the claims representative is confused because they see SSI was paid, and they're incorrectly assuming that means no Social Security backpay is due. This is a perfect example of why the SSA's systems being separate for SSI and Social Security causes so many problems. Different computer systems, different staff handling each program, and poor communication between them. I'd suggest going to the local office with printed documentation showing both benefit approval dates. Be prepared to explain the situation multiple times until you find someone who understands concurrent benefits.

Have you tried calling the national SS number? Sometimes the local office folks don't know all the rules about how SSI and regular disability work together. But wow good luck getting through to anyone there these days, I had to call like 30 times last month about my own disability issue.

did your brother get the letter yet saying exactly why they denied the back pay? sometimes they use different rules depending on if its disability on his own record or on the exwifes record that might be why

The WHOLE system is broken!! My daughter waited 18 months for her disability approval and then they 'accidentally' only backdated 6 months of her payments!!! It took FIVE trips to the office and THREE supervisors to finally get someone who admitted it was THEIR ERROR!!! And even then we had to wait another 2 months to actually get the money!! DON'T give up!! They WANT you to just accept whatever they say but you HAVE TO FIGHT for what you're owed!!!

To follow up on my earlier comment - there's an important technical detail here about how concurrent benefits work: When you qualify for both SSI and Social Security, you're legally entitled to receive both, but SSI is reduced by the Social Security amount minus an $20 exclusion. For backpay purposes, each program follows its own rules for the retroactive period, but both should provide backpay. SSI can go back to the application date, while Social Security disability can potentially go back 12 months before the application if disability began during that period. Since your brother started receiving both benefits at the same time, and SSI correctly calculated their portion, Social Security should absolutely be providing backpay as well. This sounds like a simple administrative error that needs correction.

This is definitely an SSA error. Here's what's happening technically: SSI (administered under Title XVI of the Social Security Act) correctly reduced your brother's payment due to his Title II benefit (regular Social Security). Meanwhile, the Title II side is incorrectly applying a limitation that doesn't exist. There is no rule stating that receiving SSI eliminates entitlement to Title II backpay. Both benefits have different rules for retroactivity, but both can pay for past periods. I'd recommend requesting a formal reconsideration within 60 days of receiving notice of the decision. Include documentation showing: 1) Approval dates for both benefits, 2) The SSI calculation showing they factored in his SS benefit, and 3) The alleged onset date of disability. Be very clear in your appeal that you're disputing the denial of Title II backpay for a concurrent beneficiary.

Did they give him a written notice about the backpay denial? If not demand one before you do anything else. They have to give you something in writing that you can appeal.