I recently was a awarded a small amount of back payment from social security disability. I received the notice on 15 Dec and received the check on 20 Dec 2010 , if I wait until after Jan 1st 2011 to deposite the check can I wait until next years tax return to put it on my taxes?

Since you received the check in 2010, it is taxable in 2010.

How much was the check, and, combined with all other income, how much was your annual income for 2010?