Step 1: Establish Your Disability Onset Date

The SSA requires you to prove when your disability first affected your ability to work, including:

• Medical evidence documenting symptoms and limitations from years prior to filing.
• Detailed doctor records that support an earlier disability date.
• Consistent treatment history over the period you claim retroactively.

Step 2: Understand the Retroactive Filing Limits

In South Carolina, SSA generally allows retroactive benefits for:

• Up to 12 months before filing your SSDI claim.
• Exceptions may apply if you can show early disability onset and missed filing opportunities.
• Back pay is limited to your insured status and work credits during the retroactive period.

Step 3: Review Your Work Credit Eligibility

To receive retroactive benefits, you need:

• Required work credits reflecting your employment history during the disability period.
• A sufficient number of credits to remain covered by SSDI at the time of disability.
• Understanding that credits can expire and affect retroactive benefit eligibility.

Step 4: Prepare for SSA's Disability Determination Process

The SSA will:

• Analyze medical records to confirm the severity and duration of your disability.
• Consider evidence from your healthcare providers about your functional limitations over time.
• Assess your ability to work based on your condition during the retroactive period.

Common Challenges with Retroactive SSDI Claims

Be mindful of:

• Insufficient or inconsistent medical documentation from the earlier period.
• Delays in filing which may affect your eligibility for retroactive benefits.
• Insurance coverage and work credit lapses undermining your claim.
• Failure to clearly demonstrate the onset date preventing back pay approval.