The Social Security disability process can be confusing. Not only can the entire process be difficult to understand, but so can the different terms Social Security uses along the way. To make things a bit clearer below are some definitions for terms Social Security uses during the disability process.
- Alleged and Established Onset Date: The alleged onset date refers to the date in which the applicant for disability claims to be disabled. The established onset date is the date in which Social Security decides the applicant became disabled. These two dates can be the same, but ultimately Social Security is the final decider.
- Backpay: The backpay is the past due disability benefits an applicant is awarded when approved for either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Backpay can go back as far as the application date for SSI claims and, in most cases, back as far as a year prior to the application date for SSDI claims.
- Award Letter: When the Social Security Administration agrees that an applicant is disabled the award letter is sent to the claimant and the claimant’s representative. The award letter will explain how much backpay a claimant will receive and what the claimant’s monthly disability payments are.
- Consultative Exam: This is a short medical exam that Disability Determination Services orders and schedules for an applicant who has applied for Social Security disability. This exam is paid for by Disability Determination Services. Either a physical or mental health CE may be schedule if Disability Determination Services decides there is not enough medical evidence to determine whether an applicant is disabled.
- Substantial Gainful Activity: Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) is the standard Social Security uses to determine whether an applicant’s wages might preclude them from receiving benefits. This amount in 2013 is $1,040 per month gross (before taxes are taken out). If an applicant is making above SGA from work-related activity the applicant will not meet the technical requirements of the SSDI or SSI programs and will not be considered disabled no matter what medical conditions they suffer from.
For a glossary on common used Social Security terms visit this link.
