The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) onset date is a crucial factor in determining whether you are eligible for SSDI benefits. It is the date when your disabling condition makes you unable to work or perform any substantial gainful activity (SGA). The onset date determines the start of your period of disability. If you are approved for benefits, the onset date plays a critical role in determining the amount of retroactive benefits you may receive.
The experienced attorneys at Ryan Bisher Ryan and Simons can guide you through figuring out your disability onset date and applying for SSDI benefits. If you need help, contact us today for a free case review.
How Is My Disability Onset Date Determined?
To determine the onset date, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will look at your medical records, work history, and other evidence of disability. The onset date should be as close as possible to the date when you can no longer work. It is important to note that the onset date may not necessarily be the same as the diagnosis date because your disabling condition may have existed before a doctor officially diagnosed it.
The SSA uses several methods to determine the disability onset date, including:
- Medical evidence – One of the most common methods is using the medical evidence you provide. The SSA will consider your medical records, including diagnostic tests and treatment notes, to determine when your disability first became severe enough to prevent you from working.
- Claimant’s statements and testimony – You may provide a written statement or appear at a hearing to explain the circumstances of your disability and when you first became unable to work.
- Protective filing date – This date is when you first applied for SSDI benefits, regardless of the actual onset of disability. The SSA may use the protective filing date if you cannot provide enough evidence to support a different onset date.
- Date last insured (DLI) – This is the latest date you were insured for SSDI purposes. The DLI is based on your work history and contributions to the Social Security trust fund. If the onset date is later than the DLI, you may not be eligible for SSDI benefits.
After gathering all the evidence, the SSA will make a final determination based on the information available. A skilled SSDI attorney can help you establish the earliest possible onset date to ensure you receive the maximum benefits to which you are entitled.
Alleged vs. Established Onset Date
In some cases, the alleged onset date may differ from the onset date that is ultimately established by SSA. An alleged onset date is the date you provide when applying for SSDI benefits. This is the date you believe your disability and inability to work started.
On the other hand, the established onset date is what the SSA officially determines as the start of your disability. The SSA will consider your alleged onset date, medical evidence, testimony, and other relevant information to determine the established onset date.
Why Does My Disability Onset Date Matter?
The SSDI onset date is an essential factor in determining your eligibility for benefits and the amount of past due benefits that are payable. Some of the reasons the onset date matters include:
- Eligibility – The onset date is necessary to determine when you have satisfied the five-month waiting period requirement for SSDI benefits. Five months after the onset date, payments may begin.
- Benefit amount – The onset date is used to determine your initial benefit amount. The benefit amount is based on your average indexed monthly earnings and the number of credits you have earned. The SSA uses the onset date to calculate this amount and the number of credits earned.
- Back pay – The SSA also uses the onset date to determine the amount of back pay you may receive. Back pay is the amount of past due benefits owed to you for the months between the onset date and the date of the claim approval.
- Continuing eligibility – The onset date is also used to determine your continuing eligibility for benefits. The SSA will periodically review your medical condition to determine if you continue to meet the eligibility criteria for SSDI benefits.
How Can an SSDI Lawyer Help?
An SSDI lawyer can help you with your onset date in several ways, such as:
- Gathering evidence – A lawyer can help secure and organize necessary medical evidence to support your alleged onset date. This evidence may include medical records, diagnostic tests, and treatment notes from your healthcare providers.
- Advocating for the earliest possible onset date – A lawyer can argue for the earliest possible onset date based on the evidence available to ensure you receive the maximum benefits to which you are entitled.
- Representing you at a hearing – If the SSA disputes your alleged onset date, you may have to appear at a hearing to explain your disability and when you first became unable to work. A lawyer can represent you at the hearing.
- Negotiating with the SSA – A lawyer can negotiate with the SSA on your behalf to reach an agreement on a favorable onset date.
- Appealing a denied claim – If the SSA denies your request for benefits, a lawyer can file an appeal and advocate for you.
A lawyer can handle the complex SSDI claims process for you, including advocating for the earliest possible onset date. Hiring a lawyer can help you seek the maximum benefits you are entitled to while you focus on recovering.
Contact Our Experienced Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Oklahoma City, OK Today
Do you have questions about your disability onset date? Was your application for benefits denied? Our experienced attorneys can explain your right to SSDI benefits and work on your behalf to get you all the disability benefits you deserve. The experienced SSDI attorneys at Ryan Bisher Ryan and Simons want to help you. To schedule a free consultation, contact us today.
We are Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons, a legal firm that, for decades, has been fighting for the rights of hardworking Oklahoma residents. Our mission is to hold the powerful accountable.
