Does he get back paid from the day he became disabled or from 5 months afterwards?

What is the name of your state? TX
We are confused as to whether he gets paid from the day he filed or is there that 5 month rule we do not understand?

There is always that 5 month rule that you dont understand. You must be disabled for 5 full months before any payments can begin. Once you meet the 5 month waiting period, benefits can begin as far back as 12 months from your application date. For instance: The JUDGE rules that you became disabled on 12/31/02. Your waiting period is 01/03 thru 05/03 (five full months). The earliest month you could get checks is 12 months retroactive from the date you filed your application, but not earlier than 06/01/03 (because of the 5 month rule). Hope this helps clear things up.