How far back will I be able to collect in Supplemental Security Income Benefits?

Your SSI benefits work somewhat differently than Social Security Disability Benefits. You will be paid SSI benefits beginning on the first of the month after the month in which you applied as long as you were disabled before that date and met the income and asset requirements of the SSI program before that date. Otherwise you will be paid SSI benefits from the first of the month after you met all the requirements to get SSI.