I got retroactive pay, too. I called the SS office, they sent me paperwork, I completed and returned the paperwork by mail with backup from my doctors, and I was approved two weeks later. I know that mine is not the usual case and I know people who have waited eight years for approval, but I was really approved in two weeks without even seeing one of their doctors, which I had expected I'd have to do. For some reason, God was just smiling on me!

Do not try to fill out the application by yourself. SSD will make a telephone appointment with you and WILL call you at the set time. They will ask you the same questions on the application. Look over the app. first to see what information (resumes,etc)you need to help you fill things out correctly the first time. They will pay you from the day you apply after you get approved

Call your local SSD office. They will help answer all questions and tell you what to expect. Open a account on line and you can get very useful information from their web site.

Whatever you do get an attorney they will tell you the ins and outs they may take a third of it but it would be worth it they will do all the paperwork and file Appeals or anything else you need and it cost nothing up front they only get paid when you get your Social Security but make sure they specialize in Social Security

I actually got retroactive pay.