When applying for Social Security Benefits, you will need to fill out the initial application to get your claim started. On this initial application, you will put in the start date of your disability. This date is known as your Alleged Onset Date. It is a date that Social Security will use to build your case.  Sometimes it may not be as easy to pinpoint this date. However, it is strongly recommended that you try and choose as close of a date to when your condition(s) begin to worsen. There are many signs that lead up to figuring this date. One example would be a decrease in your work hours or having to end your employment. It is good to keep a journal of any major medical events that have affected your daily routine. Also, it is important that you speak to your doctor about any disruptions that you are experiencing in you daily routines due to ongoing symptoms. The more information you have in your medical records, the more of a benefit it will be to you when choosing you Alleged Onset Date.

Social Security does not always agree with the date that you have chosen. If Social Security chooses a different date, it will be a later date. Your medical records may support a different date of disability. The change in the Alleged Onset Date(AOD) by Social Security is known as the Established Onset Date(EOD). The newly Established Onset Date(EOD) chosen by Social Security may affect the amount of backpay that you receive. You can Appeal this decision if you do not agree with the date that Social Security has chosen. Having an expert to assist you through the process would help you avoid mistakes.

Please contact one of our attorneys at Hoglund, Chwialkowski, Mrozik, PLLC. today for more information.

By Shana Knotts