Apply As Soon As You Become Disabled

The best time to apply for disability is as soon as you become unable to work due to a disability. The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires that your condition prevent you from working for at least 12 months or result in death for you to qualify for benefits. Delaying your application can result in lost benefits, as the SSA only pays retroactive benefits for a limited time (up to 12 months prior to your application).

Understand the Waiting Period

For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), there is a 5-month waiting period from the onset of your disability before you can begin receiving benefits. The SSA will consider your date of onset, which is the date your condition first started preventing you from working.

If you are applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), there is no waiting period, but you must meet income and resource requirements.

Don’t Wait Too Long to Apply

If you wait too long to apply for disability benefits, you might face challenges:

• Your condition may worsen: Over time, your health may deteriorate, making it more difficult to provide evidence of your disability.
• You may miss out on benefits: As mentioned, the SSA has limits on how far back they can pay retroactive benefits. Waiting too long could mean that you miss out on months or years of benefits that you are entitled to.

It’s advisable to apply as soon as your condition prevents you from working for the required period (12 months or more).

Apply While Still Receiving Medical Treatment

One of the most important parts of your disability claim is providing medical evidence. Applying while you are actively receiving treatment for your condition can help demonstrate that your disability is ongoing and severe. Make sure to keep up with doctor’s visits, prescriptions, and any necessary tests.

Apply Early if Your Disability is Expected to Be Long-Term

If your disability is expected to last for a long time or is permanent, apply as soon as you can. The SSA’s process can be lengthy, and applying early gives you the best chance to receive benefits in a timely manner. In some cases, SSA disability claims can take several months to process, so the earlier you apply, the better.

Apply if Your Disability Will Last for At Least 12 Months

The SSA will only approve claims for conditions that are expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. If your disability is expected to improve within that time frame, you may not qualify. However, if you believe that your disability will last for at least a year or longer, you should consider applying for disability benefits.

Consider Filing Early in Case of Denial

Many initial disability claims are denied, even when the applicant meets the eligibility requirements. If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. Starting the application early gives you ample time to prepare for an appeal in case your claim is rejected. If you need to file an appeal, the SSA gives you a limited amount of time to do so (usually 60 days).

When to Apply for SSDI vs. SSI

• SSDI: If you have worked in the past and paid Social Security taxes, you may be eligible for SSDI. You will need to have accumulated enough work credits to qualify. For SSDI, the timing is crucial to ensure you have the necessary credits.
• SSI: If you have limited income and resources, you may be eligible for SSI, which is a needs-based program. SSI is for individuals with disabilities who have not worked enough to qualify for SSDI or have limited financial resources.