Step 1: Establish Your Disability Onset Date

To apply for retroactive SSDI benefits, you must:

• Show medical evidence proving the date your disability began.
• Document ongoing treatment to support continuous disability prior to filing.
• Ensure the onset date is within 12 months before your application.

Step 2: Understand SSA's Retroactivity Limits

The SSA rules state that:

• You can receive up to 12 months of retroactive benefits prior to your filing date.
• Benefits for disability lasting more than a year before application are generally not payable.
• Late filing may reduce the retroactive amount.

Step 3: Verify Work Credits and Eligibility

You must have:

• Sufficient work credits covered by Social Security taxes.
• Credits required depend on the age at which you became disabled.
• Recent work history usually supports initial eligibility.

Step 4: Gather All Supporting Documentation

For a successful retroactive claim, collect:

• Comprehensive medical records showing disability progression.
• Statements from healthcare providers confirming disability start dates.
• Employment and earnings history relevant to SSDI qualifications.

Common Challenges in Retroactive Claims

Watch out for:

• Missed filing deadlines limiting retroactive payments.
• Insufficient or incomplete medical documentation.
• Discrepancies in reported disability duration and actual evidence.