Alleged Onset Date or “AOD”: What it Means and Why it is Important

There are many different important dates that are important to note for any Social Security Disability claim. These include date last insured (DLI), alleged onset date (AOD), and date of filing (DOF). This blog post will focus specifically on alleged onset date or AOD.

Simply put, alleged onset date is the date an individual claims their disability began or when they became unable to work. When an individual fills out an application for Social Security Disability benefits they will be asked to list the date their disability began. While AOD determines how many months of possible back payment you may receive if approved, AOD also must coincide with work history/earnings and medical records.

First, work history and earnings play the most important role in determining your AOD. If an individual is working over substantial gainful activity (earning $1,290 or more gross per month), an individual is not eligible to receive disability benefits. Thus, AOD should be the date an individual’s income dropped below $1,290 per month or they stopped working.

Second, medical records also play an important role in determining AOD. As a general rule, an individual’s AOD should coincide with their medical records. Sometimes there is a definitive or clear AOD such as the date of a heart attack, stroke, or hospitalization, but other times it is less clear. However, there must be at least some supportive evidence of medical treatment that supports the AOD.

It is also important to note that an individual’s alleged onset date also depends on the type of claim you are applying for and considers any previous denial of disability claim. Therefore, it is crucial to work with an experience law firm to understand what alleged onset date is appropriate in your specific case in order to receive all the possible benefits you may deserve.