Unlike SSI, which offers no guarantee of retroactive payments, SSDI claimants may be entitled to the payment of retroactive benefits, which can go as far back as 12 months (1 year) prior to one’s first contact with the SSA. First contact is the date the individual expressed their intention to apply for benefits to the Social Security Administration (SSA). This serves as your protective filing date, which is crucial as it can influence the amount of benefits you are eligible to receive, and this date establishes an eligibility date that is earlier than the actual date of application submission.