How far back does social security disability go?

Question

I suffer from depression and anxiety and panic disorder. I take meds and I have been going to my doctor for 2 years for this. We have switched my meds and doses a few times. I still suffer from these disorders. The meds help a little but not much. As a teenager maybe like 16 is when all this started. I went to three different psychiatrists and tried three or four medications. The meds didnt help then either. So will social security start my claim from the age of 16 when it started or just when i applied 4 days ago. From my understanding they have to go by when your disorders started. For me it was 16. I am almost 27 now. So is my parents entitled to any money since they paid for my psychiatrists visits and stuff? I was a minor then so i am not sure if my parents will receive money or not. Also i had back surgery in 2005 and my back kills me all the time. But i do not have any medical proof that i cant work b/c of my back. Just the medical chart for the surgery.

Answer 1

Hello,

My arms were broke /deformed over 20 years ago, closer to 30 years ago.

I finally applied the first time in 1988 gave up.

I had a head injury and had my head stapled back up 7-8 years ago, but again I was to prideful to stick through the disability process. About three years ago, two surgeries, iv transfusion, broken arm that can not be fixed  and many drugs / medications later I did reapply and stuck with it.

All my savings are gone, credit is now in the dirt and pain and other problems and still waiting on disability. I wish they would go back to '88, or even when problems started in the 60's but they wont.

They will more then likely only go back to the last time I applied, which was almost three years ago when I finally could no longer work, my fight now is directed at getting through the day.

I have doctors diagnoses since the 60's. All the medications are written down etc..

Sorry to say but your age is not on your side. Back in the 80's a surgeon said I would never work, but I did. Don't give up on yourself so soon.  If you can do any work, any at all then it will be hard to get disability, do not give up on it try, but you have to eat. Eating takes money, work = money, work excludes you from disability.  

Good luck!      

Answer 2

There are two types of disability benefits paid by Social Security - Title II Disability and Title XVI SSI.

You would be eligible for disability if you have worked and paid into the system.  The number of credits you need is dependent on your age - based on what you write, I think you would need at least 3 years' worth of work.

If you don't have enough credits to qualify for Disability, you might be eligible for SSI.  You can only get SSI if you have limited income and resources.

In either a Disability or an SSI application, you can allege an onset date as far back as you wish, and the judge may find that you, in fact, became disabled at age 16.  However, you will not get past due benefits going back that far.

In a Disability application you can only get paid up to 1 year prior to the date of your application.  In an SSI application, you can only get paid as of the date of your application.

Disability under either program is difficult to prove for individuals in their 20's so it makes sense for you to at least speak to a disability lawyer.

Good luck.

Answer 3

They can only go back til the time you applied..  then you conditions has to have affected you working and you have to be out of work for 1 year before you are eligable for anything...

It is going to be very difficult to get disablaity on anxiety and panic disorders.   My husband has 1 to 4 sizures everyday and still have to fight for almost 5 years and still has not gotten a check...

Answer 4

Recommend you get a good attorney that is specializes in social security.