I was approved for SSDI 9/20/2010 but have not seen any backpay yet. My monthly pay was prompt, have not had any issues with it. Can't seem to get anywhere on the backpay though.

I called in mid December to check on it and they told me they were checking to be sure I qualified for SSI. I said I know I don't - I have almost paid off my home, own a car - more assets than allowed! So they had me print off a form and on it request that my application for SSI be withdrawn, and take it to my local office. I did that right away. Local office said give it a month to be processed.

I checked mid January, and they said they would put in an inquiry as I should have had it by then. I get direct deposit, and they double checked all the info. They said call back Feb. 11 if I did not have it yet.

Feb. 11 - still nothing. I call again, they say they will put in another inquiry, but my file seemed to not have moved from last month.

I am sorry I can't remember the name of the office or what point it is stuck at. It is where they check all your records and stuff to be sure you don't owe the government anything.

They said wait another month and call again.

Any ideas on getting a fire under them?

Thanks.

Best thing too do is go to your local SSA office and if you aren't satisfied with their response,then talk to a supervisor.

My wife is having the same issue. Its been sinse early Nov. She is due 3.5 years backpay. She has received her monthly check and medicare. Her lawyer was paid immediately months ago. She did not collect SSI or WC. We were told in Dec in Alexandria VA that nothing should be holding up her check and the money was forwarded to Baltimore. This nonsense needs to stop! Those moneys where earned and payed for by my wife's work of 30 years. The ill should receive their money before the lawyer not the otherway around. We have banks comming after our home and other assets that need to be paid now not a year from now. I have called my wife's lawyer who is going to track down her money. This week I will call my congressman's staff to locate this money.

lawyers in agencies or government always make sure that the other lawyers are taken care of first

Both you and Jimking need to talk the the SSI windfall offset specialist in your local office. There may only be one employee in your office that is an expert in windfall offset. There are a series of inputs that need to be done in order to remove the windfall indicator and this often holds up release of the retroactive benefits.

babyboomer - it is my understanding you can't just show up at the local SS office and talk to anyone - you must make an appointment. When I talked to them on the phone, I asked about coming in, but they say they can help me over the phone, or to call the national 800 number.

Jim - I am so glad your wife was finally approved. RSD is a horrible thing to live with.

Echos - I did not use a lawyer. I filed myself.

Janke - I looked up SS Windfall Offset.... I have never worked for anyone without paying SS. Well, when I was a young teen I did a little babysitting - very little... and I didn't pay SS then. I started working at a regular job at age 17, continued until 52. Knowing that, do you think I should still talk to the windfall specialist?

I was approved so quickly, they only owe me 3 months of backpay. It won't add up to very much.

Thanks everyone for your responses. I typed up a reply on my phone last night, but for some reason it did not show up.

I think you should

Ok, thanks. I will try to call today. Sincen it is Monday, may be hard to get through.

You may have seen my earlier post about my husband's back pay issues
... I'll tell you that I think it is really strange (and lousy) that SSA is able to determine the amount the lawyer is owed, and make the payment to the lawyer expeditiously and then hold up the payment to the claimant. The lawyers payment is based on a % of the back pay (up to a max $$ amount) so I just don't understand how that is possible.

We opened a constituent case with our Senator....which seemed to get some movement happening...but we won't breathe easy until we have the check in our hand.

RE: posts on my original thread...I would be interested in information specific to SSA as to whether the ALJ decisions can be overturned by anyone other than the Appeals Council if anyone has that...

Ain't that the truth about the attorney getting paid first. What would happen if the claimant owed back taxes and back child support that surpassed the back pay amount? Would they still pay the attorney first ,even though there wasn't enough money to pass around to begin with?