Actually if Janke or left-handed pops in, I'm curious about the whole TWP in the first 12 months of an applicant's claim of onset. Another poster is dealing with this same issue and I've tried to research it for her.

It seems SS has always made the claim that an applicant should have 12 months below SGA in order to qualify.

For the OP, read the "before you start sticky" please! It is so much easier to do it right instead of not worrying about the denial. It's an uphill battle that way. And you're no longer allowed to appeal a denial and start a 2nd application, due to a law change in July. Make sure you have your doc/s fill out an RFC/s for you. (There's a link in the before you start sticky...) Don't apply online. It's better to fill out a paper application so you can add what you want.

The attorneys do have an incentive to stall SS cases to increase backpay and fees. The system is whack. Legal representation can be a good thing, but your research shouldn't be less even if you use an attorney or a rep. Buying a NOLO book on SSD is a very good idea.