The period of disability begins on the first day both the earnings and disability requirements are met. A period of disability cannot be awarded if all or part of the waiting period falls in or after the month "full retirement age" is attained.
The beginning date of a period of disability does not determine when basic railroad retirement disability annuity payments may begin. It does however, determine when and if any increased payments may begin, and it also may affect the beginning date of early Medicare coverage.