6 plain-English guides on dates & deadlines, written from public Social Security Administration sources: SSA.gov, the Listing of Impairments, POMS and 20 CFR. Every figure carries the year it applies to, because these rules change and an undated number is worse than no number. Start anywhere in the list below, or use the navigation above to move to a different stage of the process.
- How to Answer the Alleged Onset Date Question
Learn how to pick an alleged onset date you can support, state the same date on every SSA form, and explain it clearly in your claim's remarks section.
- Answering the Onset Date Question on the Application
Learn how to answer the alleged onset date question on your SSDI application, identify your medical and work triggers, and keep your answer consistent.
- The 6-Month Deadline After a Protective Filing Date
Learn how the six-month deadline works after an SSDI protective filing date, how SSA sends closeout notices, and how to submit Form SSA-16 on time.
- What Is a Protective Filing Date (and Why It Matters)
A protective filing date can lock in an earlier SSDI filing date from a phone call, an appointment request, or a started online claim. See what proof to keep.
- What to Do When SSA Asks You to Amend Your Onset Date
Find out why a claims specialist or disability examiner may ask you to change your alleged onset date, and how agreeing or refusing affects back pay.
- How to Answer the Work Stop Date Question
Learn how to answer the work stop date question on your SSDI application when hours were reduced rather than stopped, and keep it consistent across all forms.