Can I apply for SSDI retroactively in Connecticut if I was disabled for years before filing?

By Hogan Smith

Updated 12/10/2025

Can I apply for SSDI retroactively in Connecticut if I was disabled for years before filing? In Connecticut, you may be eligible to receive SSDI benefits retroactively if you were disabled prior to your application date. The Social Security Administration allows for a back pay period, which can cover up to 12 months before your application, provided you meet their disability criteria during that time. The exact amount and duration of retroactive benefits depends on your disability onset date, medical evidence, and when you filed your claim. Understanding these rules can help you maximize the benefits you are entitled to receive.

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Eligibility for Retroactive SSDI Benefits

To qualify for retroactive payments in Connecticut:

  • You must prove your disability began before your application date.
  • Medical records must clearly document your condition during the retroactive period.
  • The SSA generally limits retroactive benefits to no more than 12 months prior to filing.
Filing Date Impact

Your claim’s filing date affects retroactive benefits as:

  • A later filing date can reduce potential back pay available.
  • Early filing can maximize your possible retroactive benefits.
Back Pay Calculation

The amount of retroactive SSDI depends on:

  • Your monthly benefit amount.
  • The length of your retroactive eligibility period.
Claims for Retroactive SSDI

When applying for retroactive benefits, consider:

  • Providing detailed medical proof for your disability’s start date.
  • Ensuring all work history and earnings records are complete and accurate.
Common Challenges

Issues that may affect retroactive SSDI include:

  • Delays in obtaining or submitting required medical documentation.
  • Disputes over your disability onset date by the SSA.
  • Failure to meet SSA’s strict time limits for retroactive claims.
Eligibility of Dependents for SSDI Benefits

Family members who may qualify include:

  • Spouses age 62 or older, or caring for the beneficiary’s child under 16 or disabled.
  • Children under 18, or up to 19 if attending school full-time.
  • Disabled adult children who became disabled before age 22.
Amount of Benefits for Dependents

The SSA calculates payments based on:

  • A percentage of the primary SSDI beneficiary’s amount, with limits on total family benefits.
  • Monthly support helps cover living costs for eligible family members.
Impact on Family Financial Stability

SSDI benefits can:

  • Reduce financial strain caused by lost income due to disability.
  • Provide ongoing support for dependents’ basic needs like housing, food, and education.
Requirements for Continuing Benefits

Dependents must meet:

  • Regular SSA reviews to confirm eligibility and status.
  • Proof of full-time school attendance if applicable.
  • Documentation of disability for disabled adult children.
Effect of Dependents’ Benefits on Primary Beneficiary

It is important to note:

  • Total family SSDI benefits are capped to avoid excessive payouts.
  • Primary beneficiary’s benefits may be adjusted if family maximum is reached.

How Hogan Smith Can Help

At Hogan Smith, we specialize in assisting Connecticut residents with applying for SSDI retroactively by:

  • Evaluating your medical history to establish a valid disability onset date prior to your filing.
  • Gathering and submitting comprehensive documentation to support retroactive benefit claims.
  • Guiding you through SSA requirements and meeting deadlines to preserve back pay rights.
  • Advocating on your behalf during any SSA disputes or appeals concerning retroactive benefits.

Contact Hogan Smith Today

If you have been disabled for years and wonder about applying for SSDI retroactively in Connecticut, contact Hogan Smith today for a free consultation. Our experienced team will help you understand your rights, compile necessary evidence, and handle your claim to maximize your retroactive SSDI benefits.

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