### Question
What does benefit commencement date mean?


### Answer
**Benefit commencement date** has the following meaning in *29 U.S.C. § 1085*:

> the annuity starting date (or in the case of a retroactive annuity starting date, the date on which benefit payments begin)

#### Citation:
  - *29 U.S.C. § 1085*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 18-EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY PROGRAM > SUBCHAPTER I-PROTECTION OF EMPLOYEE BENEFIT RIGHTS > Subtitle B-Regulatory Provisions > part 3-funding**

