Why the Social Security Administration Might Find You Disabled on a Different Date Than Your Alleged Onset Date

When applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), one of the most critical components of your claim is the alleged onset date (AOD)—the date you claim your disability began. However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may determine that your disability began on a different date, known as the established onset date (EOD).

Understanding why and how this happens can help you navigate the complex disability claims process and maximize your benefits. At the Law Offices of Christopher Le, we’re here to guide you through every step of your Social Security disability claim. In this blog, we’ll explain why the SSA might assign a different disability onset date and what it means for your case.

What Is the Alleged Onset Date (AOD)?

The AOD is the date you report as the start of your disability—the point when your medical condition became severe enough to prevent you from working. This date is typically included in your initial application and is based on your recollection of when your symptoms began impacting your ability to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA). The AOD is crucial because it affects the amount of back pay you may receive and, for SSDI claimants, the start of your Medicare eligibility.

Why Might the SSA Choose a Different Onset Date?

The SSA evaluates your claim based on medical evidence, work history, and other factors to determine when your disability meets their strict criteria. The EOD may differ from your AOD for several reasons:

1. Insufficient Medical Evidence for the AOD

   
   

   The SSA requires objective medical evidence, such as doctor’s records, test results, and treatment notes, to establish disability. If the medical evidence doesn’t clearly show that you were disabled on your AOD, the SSA may set a later EOD when the evidence supports a finding of disability. For example, if you allege disability starting in January 2023 but lack medical records until June 2023, the SSA might use the later date.

2. Work Activity After the AOD

   
   

   If you continued working and earning above the substantial gainful activity (SGA) threshold after your AOD, the SSA may determine that you were not disabled at that time. For 2025, the SGA limit is approximately $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. If your earnings exceed these amounts, the SSA may set an EOD after your work stopped.

3. Gradual Progression of Your Condition

   
   

   Some medical conditions worsen over time. The SSA may find that your condition wasn’t severe enough to meet their disability criteria on your AOD but became disabling later. For instance, if you have a degenerative condition like arthritis, the SSA might establish an EOD when your symptoms became severe enough to prevent work, based on medical evidence.

4. Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Discretion

   
   

   During a hearing, an ALJ may review your medical records and testimony and determine a different EOD. For example, they might find that your condition met the SSA’s disability criteria only after a specific medical event, like a surgery or diagnosis, even if you felt disabled earlier.

5. Closed Period of Disability

   
   

   In some cases, the SSA may find you disabled for a specific period but not indefinitely. If your condition improved, the SSA might set an EOD and a termination date, creating a “closed period” of disability. This can result in an EOD different from your AOD if the evidence supports disability only for a limited time.

   
   

What Does a Different Onset Date Mean for You?

If the SSA establishes an EOD later than your AOD, it can impact your benefits in several ways:

• Back Pay: SSDI and SSI benefits are calculated based on the EOD. A later EOD means less back pay, as benefits start from the established date (with some exceptions, like the five-month waiting period for SSDI).

• Medicare Eligibility: For SSDI, Medicare coverage begins 24 months after the EOD. A later EOD delays your eligibility for Medicare.

• SSI Eligibility: For SSI, a later EOD may affect when you become eligible for payments, as SSI benefits typically start the month after your application date or EOD, whichever is later.

  
  

On the other hand, if the SSA sets an earlier EOD than your AOD (rare but possible), you could receive additional back pay, provided you meet other eligibility criteria.

How Can You Strengthen Your Case for Your Alleged Onset Date?

To increase the likelihood that the SSA accepts your AOD, consider the following steps:

• Provide Comprehensive Medical Records: Ensure your medical records clearly document your condition’s severity on or before your AOD.

• Document Work History: Provide accurate details about when you stopped working or reduced your hours due to your disability. Pay stubs, tax returns, or employer statements can help.

• Seek Legal Representation: An experienced Social Security disability attorney can help gather evidence, present your case, and argue for your AOD during appeals or hearings. At the Law Offices of Christopher Le, we specialize in building strong cases to support your claimed onset date.

  
  

What If You Disagree with the SSA’s Onset Date?

If the SSA assigns an EOD you believe is incorrect, you have the right to appeal. An appeal may involve:

• Requesting Reconsideration: Asking the SSA to review their decision.

• Requesting a Hearing: Presenting your case to an ALJ, who can review evidence and adjust the EOD if warranted.

• Further Appeals: If the ALJ’s decision is unfavorable, you can appeal to the Appeals Council or federal court.

  
  

Working with a skilled attorney can make a significant difference in appealing an incorrect EOD. Our team at the Law Offices of Christopher Le is dedicated to helping you secure the benefits you deserve.

Let Us Help You Navigate Your Disability Claim

The Social Security disability process is complex, and discrepancies between your alleged onset date and the SSA’s established onset date can significantly affect your benefits. At the Law Offices of Christopher Le, we understand the nuances of Social Security law and are committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can advocate for you.