When applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), one of the most important aspects of your claim is the alleged onset date (AOD)—the date you state your disability began. However, it’s not uncommon for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to determine a different start date for your disability, known as the established onset date (EOD). This difference can significantly impact your benefits and eligibility.
In this blog, we’ll explore SSA disability approval date issues, why discrepancies between the AOD and EOD happen, and how to protect your claim.
What Is the Alleged Onset Date (AOD)?
The AOD is the date you report to the SSA as the beginning of your disability. It reflects when your condition became severe enough to stop you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA)—generally considered the ability to earn above a certain monthly threshold. This date influences your eligibility for back pay, Medicare (for SSDI), and the timeline for SSI payments.
Why SSA Might Set a Different Disability Approval Date
Understanding SSA disability approval date issues requires looking at several factors the SSA uses to evaluate your case:
1. Insufficient Medical Evidence
The SSA bases its decision on objective medical evidence such as clinical notes, diagnostic results, and treatment histories. If your records do not clearly show disability at the AOD you claimed, the SSA may assign a later EOD. For example, if you state you became disabled in January but lack medical documentation until June, the SSA might use June as your EOD.
2. Work After the Alleged Onset Date
If you continued working and earning above the SGA limit (approximately $1,620/month in 2025 for non-blind individuals), the SSA may assume you were not yet disabled. In this case, your EOD might reflect the date you stopped working or your income dropped below the SGA threshold.
3. Gradual Progression of the Condition
Certain conditions develop or worsen over time. If the SSA finds that your condition didn’t meet the disability criteria at your AOD, they may determine the EOD based on when your symptoms became severe enough to prevent work.
4. Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Rulings
If your claim proceeds to a hearing, the ALJ can set an EOD based on your testimony and updated evidence. Sometimes, the ALJ may assign a later EOD if they believe your medical condition became disabling after a certain milestone, such as a surgery or diagnosis.
5. Closed Periods of Disability
The SSA might approve a closed period of disability if your condition was disabling for a limited time. In such cases, your EOD will reflect the start of that period, which may differ from your AOD.
How a Different Onset Date Affects Your Benefits
If the SSA assigns a later EOD than your AOD, it can affect:
Back Pay: SSDI and SSI benefits are calculated from the EOD. A later EOD can reduce the amount of retroactive pay you’re eligible for.
Medicare Coverage: For SSDI, Medicare eligibility begins 24 months after your EOD. A later EOD delays your access to healthcare coverage.
SSI Eligibility: For SSI, benefits typically begin the month after the EOD or the application date—whichever is later.
While rare, if the SSA sets an earlier EOD than your AOD, you could receive more back pay.
Strengthen Your Case for the Correct Onset Date
To reduce the likelihood of SSA disability approval date issues, take these proactive steps:
Submit Complete Medical Records: Ensure your documentation clearly shows the severity of your condition starting at or before your AOD.
Detail Your Work History: Include exact dates you stopped working or reduced hours due to your disability. Support this with pay stubs or employer letters.
Work with a Disability Attorney: A legal expert can help present strong medical and vocational evidence to support your claimed AOD.
What to Do If You Disagree with the SSA’s Onset Date
You have the right to appeal if you believe the SSA’s EOD is incorrect:
Reconsideration: Request a review of the SSA’s decision.
Hearing with an ALJ: Provide additional evidence and testify about your disability.
Appeals Council or Federal Court: Continue the appeal if earlier stages are unsuccessful.
At the Law Offices of Christopher Le, we specialize in helping clients navigate these complexities and fight for the benefits they deserve.
Get Help with Your Disability Claim Today
SSA disability approval date issues can drastically affect the outcome of your claim. If you’re facing a discrepancy between your AOD and the SSA’s EOD, don’t face it alone. At the Law Offices of Christopher Le, we provide personalized guidance and experienced representation to help you secure the benefits you’re entitled to.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you get the support you need.
