Alleged Onset Date (AOD)

Alleged onset date (AOD) is the date the claimant states on their disability application they were no longer able to perform substantial gainful activity due to their mental or physical health condition.

Alleged onset date may be the same or differ from the EOD or established onset date, which is the date the SSA determines the claimant became disabled. The EOD date is chosen after the SSA reviews the individual's medical information and work history. The EOD and AOD may be different if the claimant does not have medical information to support the AOD or they performed additional substantial work after their AOD. If a claimant performs substantial work after their AOD, than their established onset date will be later then their AOD, regardless of the severity of their stated condition. If the SSA changes your AOD to a later EOD you could lose some back pay, unless it is still more than 17 months earlier than the date you applied for disability benefits. If you would like to challenge this change you can appeal the new onset date by asking Disability Determination Services office for a reconsideration.