I was finally approved in January and received my backpay about a week afterward. My benefits started as of April 2017 even though my date of disability was October 2016.

They automatically sent my disability attorney the 25% of the backpay. That was a pleasant surprise because I assumed I would have to pay them out of the amount deposited in my account.

They gave me to cost of living adjustment on the back pay.

I'm trying to figure out when I'll be eligible for medicare, on the start of benefits date anniversary or the date of disability? I'm thinking it will be April 2019 according to the pamphlet they sent me.