SSI Disability is based upon the date the claim is filed   Hello! I have a son that I'm applying for SSI for. My question is about the onset date...I have just received most of his medical records and he was admitted to Mental Health hospitals dating back to 2009 (several times during that time period and roughly 7-8 additional times periodically). He has been admitted twice in the past month. Also, those medical records from 2009 to current state his diagnosis and other helpful information. I'm not asking for advice, but I wanted to know your thoughts on an onset date from several years prior, or from 2009. I don't want to kill my chances of being approved, but I do have substantial medical evidence dating to 2009. Thanks for your time and response!! My thought would be that it is good to have strong medical evidence that supports your son's disability claim. With regard to SSI disability benefits, it really does not matter how long your son has been disabled because SSI disability benefits are based upon the date the disability claim is filed. If he is approved, his SSI disability benefits would begin the month following the month he filed his claim. That being said, there is a chance at some point in the future that your son may qualify under your record or his mother's record as an adult disabled child. Therefore, it is important that the disabling condition be established prior to the age of 22. Which means, it would be good to have medical records in the file that provide proof that he was disabled prior the age of 22 even if he is only filing for SSI at this time. I hope that this information answers your question and that it will be helpful for your son's SSI disability application. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: Can you get disability for OCD? SSI Reconsideration vs SSDI Disability Reconsideration Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability in the United States Getting approved for disability based on being blind How to file for disability in Arizona Kidney Disease and Filing for Disability How long can you receive SSI or Social Security Disability benefits?