How long is the waiting period for Social Security disability benefits?

The waiting period for Social Security disability benefits is five months. This means that even if a claimant is found to be disabled and eligible for benefits, there is a mandatory waiting period before they can start receiving their monthly disability payments. The five-month waiting period starts from the onset date of the disability as established by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

This period is put in place to help ensure that benefits are not paid for disabilities that may resolve in a shorter timeframe, thereby assisting with better management of the Social Security Trust Fund. While the claimant may experience financial hardship during this time, the five-month wait serves as a guideline for when benefits appropriately begin, reflecting the SSA's assessment of long-term disability.