Glossary
Understanding the Terms of Your Disability Case
At Liner Legal, we don’t just manage your case we make sure you fully understand it. Legal jargon, acronyms, and unfamiliar terms can make an already difficult process feel even more confusing. That’s why we’ve created this glossary to help you navigate some of the most common terms you may encounter during your disability case.
Whether you’re applying for Social Security Disability (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Long Term Disability (LTD), these terms will likely come up during your journey
AOD – Alleged Onset Date
The date you say your disability began. This is based on when your condition first started affecting your ability to work.
ALJ – Administrative Law Judge
A judge who conducts hearings for disability appeals when your claim is denied at earlier stages.
Appeals Council
The SSA body that reviews Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) decisions if you file a request for review after being denied.
Blue Book
The SSA’s listing of medical conditions and criteria that qualify for disability benefits. If your condition matches a listing, approval may be easier.
Back Pay
Lump sum payment for the time between when you became disabled and when your benefits were approved.
CLAIM ADMINISTRATOR
The insurance company or third-party administrator (TPA) that reviews and decides your LTD claim.
DLI – Date Last Insured
The last date you are eligible for SSDI based on your work credits. If your DLI has passed, you must prove you became disabled before that date.
DEFINITION OF DISABILITY
(Own-Occ vs. Any-Occ)
- Own Occupation: You’re considered disabled if you can’t perform the duties of your current job.
- Any Occupation: You’re only considered disabled if you can’t work any job you’re reasonably qualified for.
Many policies switch from “own occ” to “any occ” after 24 months.
ERISA – Employee Retirement Income Security Act
Federal law that governs most group disability (and health/retirement) benefit plans offered through employers. LTD claims under ERISA follow different rules than SSDI/SSI and are often harder to appeal.
EOD – Established Onset Date
The date the Social Security Administration agrees your disability began. This may match or differ from your AOD.
ELIMINATION PERIOD
The waiting period (typically 90 or 180 days) before LTD benefits begin. Often overlaps with short-term disability coverage.
Function Report (SSA-3373)
A detailed form explaining how your condition affects your ability to complete daily tasks like dressing, cooking, driving, and more.
FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY EVALUATION (FCE)
A physical or occupational therapy exam to measure your work related abilities. Often used by LTD insurers to challenge or deny claims.
LTD – Long-Term Disability
A private or employer sponsored insurance benefit that provides income replacement (usually 50,70%) if you can’t work due to a disability. Often governed by ERISA if employer based.
IME – Independent Medical Examination
An exam ordered by the insurance company (not your doctor). Results can strongly impact your claim, and often benefit the insurer.
MSS – Medical Source Statement
A form completed by your doctor explaining how your disability limits your daily functioning, work ability, or both.
MEDICAL CERTIFICATION
Proof of disability submitted by your healthcare provider to support an LTD claim. Must align with the insurer’s specific definitions of disability.
PIA – Primary Insurance Amount
The monthly SSDI benefit amount you’re entitled to, calculated from your past earnings and contributions to Social Security.
RFC – Residual Functional Capacity
An evaluation of what tasks you can still do despite your disability. Often used to determine whether you can perform past or other work.
SSA – Social Security Administration
The U.S. agency that oversees retirement, disability, and Supplemental Security Income benefits.
SSDI – Social Security Disability Insurance
A work based federal benefit for individuals with a disability who have paid into Social Security through payroll taxes.
SGA – Substantial Gainful Activity
The maximum amount you can earn monthly and still qualify for disability. Earning over the SGA limit can disqualify your claim.
SSI – Supplemental Security Income
A need based program for individuals with limited income and resources, providing monthly financial assistance regardless of work history.
UNF – Unfavorable Decision
A denial from the SSA or an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). You can still appeal after receiving a UNF.
UTILIZATION REVIEW
A review conducted by the insurance company to determine if your ongoing treatment is “medically necessary” or justifies continued LTD benefits.
Vocational Expert (VE)
A specialist who may testify during your hearing about the types of work you could do, given your disability and skills
Work Credits
Points earned from working and paying into Social Security. SSDI eligibility typically requires 20 credits over the past 10 years.
Waiting Period
SSDI has a five month waiting period from your EOD before benefits can start (not required for SSI).
Still Have Questions?
Understanding these terms is a crucial part of navigating your disability claim. If you ever come across a term you don’t understand or want us to add something to this list just let us know. We’re here to help!