### Question
How is the "benefit commencement date" defined?


### Answer
The term **benefit commencement date** is defined in *29 U.S.C. § 1085* as follows -

> 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**

