Welcome! This site is written for Social Security disability claimants, for their legal representatives, and for the network of people involved in the Social Security disability claim process. I hope you find it helpful.
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This Google search question led a recent visitor to the blog: Can disability go retroactive from the onset date rather than the date you apply for benefits?

I will answer that question right now.

Disability benefits are never paid retroactively from the onset date, because by definition you were not disabled prior to your onset date. However, both your onset date and your filing date are relevant to the determination of your benefits. 

For an SSI claim, benefits begin on your filing date if your claim is granted. There are no benefits available prior to your filing date for SSI, regardless of your onset date.

For Social Security disability, retroactive disability benefits are paid for up to 12 months prior to your filing date, depending upon the interrelation beween your filing date, your onset date and the 5 month waiting period

Benefits begin 5 months after your onset date. However, retroactive benefits do not extend further back than 12 months prior to your filing date. Let's look at an example.

Continue Reading Google Search Question – 3

This Google search query landed a visitor on my blog: What should I do after being denied by the social security appeals council?

I am going to answer that question right now.

The Appeals Council is the last word on your claim from the Social Security Administration. Your next step is U.S. District Court.