Apply as Soon as You Become Disabled

The general rule of thumb is that you should apply for disability benefits as soon as you become unable to work due to a medical condition. The application process for SSDI and SSI can take several months, and in some cases, even longer if your claim is denied and you have to go through an appeals process.

• SSDI Application: If you have work history and have paid into Social Security, you can apply for SSDI once you’re unable to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to your medical condition.
• SSI Application: If you’re facing financial hardship and have limited resources, you may qualify for SSI even without a work history. Apply for SSI as soon as you’re unable to support yourself due to your disability.

Don’t Wait Too Long – Understand the 5-Month Waiting Period for SSDI

If you are applying for SSDI, keep in mind that there’s a 5-month waiting period from the date your disability began before you can start receiving benefits. This means that your disability benefits will not begin until at least five months after the onset of your condition. However, you can apply immediately after you become disabled, and once your claim is approved, you will receive benefits retroactively from the time your disability started.

• Retroactive Benefits: If your application is approved, you may receive back pay for the waiting period, but applying earlier ensures you get your benefits as soon as possible after the waiting period ends.

Apply Early to Account for the Long Processing Time

The Social Security Administration (SSA) can take several months to process your claim, even if your application is complete. It’s important to apply early to avoid delays. In some cases, the SSA might request additional medical evidence or documentation, which can further extend the processing time.

• SSD Applications: The SSA typically takes about 3 to 5 months to process an SSDI claim, but it can be longer if there are complications.
• SSI Applications: The process for SSI may take slightly longer if you also need to meet financial eligibility requirements, such as having limited income or assets.

Consider the Impact of Your Health Condition

If your condition is expected to last for 12 months or more or result in death, it’s important to file for disability benefits as soon as possible. The SSA evaluates your condition based on its expected duration, so timely filing can be essential for proving your eligibility.

• Health Conditions That Warrant Early Filing: If you have a serious illness, such as cancer or heart disease, or if your condition severely impairs your ability to work, don’t delay in applying for benefits.
• Improvement in Health: If there’s a possibility your health may improve and you can return to work, it’s important to consider whether you should wait to apply for benefits or file sooner to ensure you get the support you need in case your condition doesn’t improve.

Filing for Disability Benefits After a Denial

If you’ve already filed for disability benefits and your application was denied, don’t give up. You have the right to appeal the decision. If you plan to file a disability appeal, you’ll want to do so within the specified 60-day window from the denial notice. Delaying an appeal can result in losing your opportunity to continue the process.