Eligibility for Retroactive Benefits

• You must show that your disability began within 12 months before your SSDI application date.
• Medical evidence must support the claimed disability onset date.
• Work credits must be current as of the disability start date.

Proving Disability Onset Date

• Doctors’ records and treatment notes are critical for establishing when disability started.
• Statements from employers and family may sometimes assist.
• The SSA requires clear timelines to consider retroactive benefits.

Impact of Filing Date

• Retroactive benefits cover only the period up to one year before filing.
• Delays in filing can reduce the amount of retroactive payments you may receive.
• Timely filing helps maximize retroactive payments.

Limitations and Restrictions

• Periods before the 12-month retroactive window are generally not payable.
• The SSA may deny retroactive benefits if evidence is incomplete or inconsistent.
• Employment status and earning history also affect eligibility.

Common Challenges

• Collecting comprehensive medical documentation from years prior can be difficult.
• Understanding SSA's complex rules and deadlines is critical.
• Appealing retroactive benefit denials requires expert knowledge.

Next Steps

• File your SSDI claim as soon as possible with full medical evidence.
• Consider consulting a professional to evaluate retroactive benefits potential.
• Prepare to provide detailed documentation supporting your disability onset.