# What is a closed period of disability?

The concept is addressed in HALLEX and applies when the medical improvement occurred before the decision date.

**Direct answer:** A closed period of disability is an SSDI finding that you were disabled for a defined past period of at least 12 months but recovered enough to work before the decision, so benefits are awarded only for that closed period.

## When is a closed period awarded?
When the SSA finds disability that lasted or was expected to last at least 12 continuous months, then medical improvement or return to substantial work ended the disability before the decision.

## What benefits are payable?
Back pay for the closed period, after the five-month waiting period; no ongoing monthly benefits.

## Can I appeal a closed-period decision?
Yes — you have 60 days to appeal to the Appeals Council if you disagree with the closed-period end date or scope.

## Sources
- SSA HALLEX — Closed Period of Disability — https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/hallex/I-02/I-2-6-52.html
- SSA — Hearing Process — https://www.ssa.gov/appeals/hearing_process.html

## Related questions
- [What is a partially favorable decision?](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/what-is-a-partially-favorable-decision)
- [What is the SSDI 5-month waiting period?](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/what-is-the-ssdi-5-month-waiting-period)
- [How far back does SSDI back pay go?](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/how-far-back-does-ssdi-back-pay-go)
- [SSDI Appeals & Reconsideration](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/appeals)
## Topics
- ALJ Hearing — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/what-happens-at-an-ssdi-hearing
- SSDI Appeals — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/appeals
- 5-Month Waiting Period — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/what-is-the-ssdi-5-month-waiting-period

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