Originally Posted by drose25

Hi,

I have a question about how to calculate my Medicare eligibility date and I'm finding some conflicting information on the web so I'm hoping someone here can provide a better answer.

I filed for disability in 9/2012. SS determined that my medical onset date is 9/2010. They have my entitlement date as 9/2011.

I understand that there is a 24 month waiting period before one is eligible for Medicare. My question is do they start counting from the onset date (the first date they found I was disabled) or the entitlement date (which is the 1 year prior to my application date, which is apparently as far back as they can go)?

I've seen some sites say they go from the onset date (in which case I would be eligible) but other sites say you actually have to receive benefits for 24 months (so using the entitlement date, basically). I was at the SS office today and the lady helping me thought it was calculated from the entitlement date, but she wasn't certain. I'm hoping someone here has had experience with this issue and can shed some light on it.

Thanks for any information!