On what date did you first become disabled?
That question is very important in a Social Security disability claim. When you file your application for benefits, Social Security requires you to give that specific date as month/day/year. Benefits can potentially be paid back to that date.
The date you became disabled is called the "alleged onset date" in the application process. Once the date is accepted by Social Security, it is called the "established onset date."
If your disability was caused by a car wreck, stroke or on the job injury, the date may be obvious. However, if the disability is from illness which came on gradually, the date may be more subjective.
You may consider the date you stopped working as your "alleged onset date." However, many people struggle to keep working even after they are really disabled. If you cut back to only part-time work, that could be a good indicator of the date your disability actually began. (Note: in 2013, gross earnings of at least $1,040 per month from work or self-employment will disqualify you for disability benefits; earning less than that amount will not).
The medical evidence must support your alleged onset date. When did you first seek medical treatment for the impairment you consider disabling? On what date were your symptoms severe enough to either prevent you from working or to have a substantial effect on your ability to work? Will your doctor's records support this?
When Social Security (or an administrative law judge) makes a decision on your claim, they can accept your alleged onset date, or they may amend it to a later date. Consequently, there are two favorable decisions that can be made:
Fully Favorable - SSA finds you to be disabled as of the onset date you allege.
Partially Favorable - SSA finds you to be disabled but on a later date than you allege.
This, of course, lowers your back pay award.
That question is very important in a Social Security disability claim. When you file your application for benefits, Social Security requires you to give that specific date as month/day/year. Benefits can potentially be paid back to that date.
The date you became disabled is called the "alleged onset date" in the application process. Once the date is accepted by Social Security, it is called the "established onset date."
If your disability was caused by a car wreck, stroke or on the job injury, the date may be obvious. However, if the disability is from illness which came on gradually, the date may be more subjective.
You may consider the date you stopped working as your "alleged onset date." However, many people struggle to keep working even after they are really disabled. If you cut back to only part-time work, that could be a good indicator of the date your disability actually began. (Note: in 2013, gross earnings of at least $1,040 per month from work or self-employment will disqualify you for disability benefits; earning less than that amount will not).
The medical evidence must support your alleged onset date. When did you first seek medical treatment for the impairment you consider disabling? On what date were your symptoms severe enough to either prevent you from working or to have a substantial effect on your ability to work? Will your doctor's records support this?
When Social Security (or an administrative law judge) makes a decision on your claim, they can accept your alleged onset date, or they may amend it to a later date. Consequently, there are two favorable decisions that can be made:
Fully Favorable - SSA finds you to be disabled as of the onset date you allege.
Partially Favorable - SSA finds you to be disabled but on a later date than you allege.
This, of course, lowers your back pay award.
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