If I file for Social Security disability now and am found to be disabled, how far back will the administration pay me?

The answer depends on whether you have Social Security disability insurance benefits or SSI. For Social Security disability benefits, they will pay prior to the application date. In fact, they'll pay up to one year prior to your application date, in back due benefits. In SSI, however, they will only pay as of the month of application. There are no retro benefits prior to the application date.