Step 1: Establish Your Disability Onset Date in Tennessee

Be sure to:

• Identify the exact date when your disabling condition began affecting your ability to work.
• Provide medical records and evidence from the time period before you applied.
• Understand that SSA may limit retroactive benefits to a maximum of prior to your application date.

Step 2: File Your SSDI Application Promptly

Keep in mind:

• Delays in filing can reduce or eliminate retroactive pay.
• Timely application helps maximize potential back benefits.
• The SSA measures back pay eligibility based on when you applied, not when you became disabled.

Step 3: Meet SSA’s Medical and Work Requirements

Make sure you:

• Provide strong medical proof to satisfy SSA’s definition of disability.
• Have the required work credits earned through your employment history in Tennessee.

Step 4: Understand SSA’s Decision Timeline

Know that:

• The approval process can take several months or longer.
• Back pay is determined from the established disability start date until the date of approval.

Common Issues with Retroactive SSDI Claims

Watch out for:

• Insufficient evidence to prove the disability started before filing.
• Missing or incomplete medical documentation from your treating physicians.
• Failure to meet SSA’s eligibility criteria and work credit requirements.
• Filing your claim too late, reducing or eliminating retroactive benefits.