Can I apply for SSDI retroactively in Texas if I was disabled for years before filing?
By Hogan Smith
Updated 12/15/2025
Can I apply for SSDI retroactively in Texas if I was disabled for years before filing? In Texas, you may be able to receive SSDI benefits retroactively if you were disabled long before you submitted your application. The Social Security Administration (SSA) allows for back pay starting from the established disability onset date, which can be months or even years prior to your filing date. However, there are time limits and eligibility criteria that affect how far back you can receive payments. Understanding these rules is key to maximizing your benefits.
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Understanding Retroactive SSDI Eligibility in Texas
- Retroactive SSDI can cover months or years prior to your application if your disability started earlier.
- The SSA requires proof that your condition prevented work during that back period.
- Typically, back pay covers a maximum of .
Establishing Your Disability Onset Date
- Your disability onset date is the date your illness or injury first affected your ability to work.
- Medical records and doctor statements help prove when your condition began.
- This date is important to determine how much retroactive pay you may receive.
The Time Limits for Retroactive Benefits
- The SSA generally pays back benefits for up to before your application date.
- If you delayed applying for years, some benefits may not be payable beyond this SSA window.
- Exceptions may apply in limited circumstances, but are rare.
Work Credits and Eligibility
- You must meet Social Security work credit requirements to qualify for SSDI benefits.
- A sufficient work history tied to Social Security taxes is essential for both current and retroactive payments.
- Credits are based on your age and recent employment.
Filing and Documentation Tips
- Submit complete medical evidence documenting your disability for the entire back period claimed.
- Timely filing is critical to maximize retroactive benefits.
- Be prepared to cooperate with SSA medical evaluations and reviews.
How Hogan Smith Can Help
At Hogan Smith, we assist Texans in applying for retroactive SSDI by:
- Evaluating your case to determine the earliest disability onset date possible.
- Helping you gather and organize medical evidence to support retroactive claims.
- Navigating SSA’s rules around back pay limitations and eligibility criteria.
- Guiding you through the application process to maximize your retroactive SSDI benefits potential.
Contact Hogan Smith Today
If you wonder about applying for SSDI retroactively in Texas, contact Hogan Smith today for a free consultation. Our skilled team will help you understand your rights and maximize the back pay you deserve, while guiding you through the complex SSDI rules with confidence and expertise.
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