You can apply for Social Security disability benefits on the day your doctor tells you that you have a disability or on the first day you can’t work because of it.
Many people think they have to be disabled for a certain amount of time before they can apply for benefits, but that’s not true.
You need to show that your disability will last at least 12 months or is expected to lead to death.
You do NOT have to wait until you have been disabled for 12 months to apply.
If you have a serious disability, illness, or condition that will last long, a year (or is likely leading to death, like cancer or Lou Gehrig’s disease), you can apply for benefits on the day that it starts affecting your ability to work.
In fact, consider taking help from Social Security lawyers, who can make things a lot easier.
When to Apply for Social Security Benefits?
You should apply as soon as you become disabled.
For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), there is a five-month waiting period. It means you won’t start getting benefit payments until the sixth full month after your disability starts.
The waiting period begins on the first full month after Social Security Administration decide when your disability began.
However, if your disability is due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and you are eligible for SSDI benefits on or after July 23, 2020, there is no waiting period.
For Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits, you will receive payments starting from the first full month after you file your claim or later if that’s when you become eligible.
Eligibility for the Social Security Benefits
Here are the benefits you can receive based on your situation:
Retirement
Monthly payments based on how much you earned during your working life. To qualify, you must:
- Be 62 years old or older.
- Have worked and also made payment for Social Security taxes for at least 10 years.
Disability
Monthly payments for people who have:
- A disability or are blind.
- Enough work history.
Survivor
Monthly payments to specific family members of a person who continuously worked and also paid Social Security taxes before they passed away. This includes:
- Children.
- Spouses.
- Ex-spouses.
- Dependent parents.
Family
Monthly payments to certain family members of someone receiving Retirement or Disability benefits, including:
- Spouses.
- Children.
- Ex-spouses.
- Some grandchildren.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Monthly payments for people who have:
- Little or no income.
- Few resources.
- A disability, are blind, or are 65 years old or older.
Medicare
Health insurance for people who:
- Are 65 years old or older.
- Have end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
- Receive Disability benefits.
How long does it take to get a decision after I apply for disability benefits?
The time it takes to get a decision on your disability application can vary based on:
- The type of disability you have.
- How quickly can SSA get your medical records from your doctor or other sources?
- Whether you need to go for a medical exam.
- Whether SSA need to review your quality application.
Once you submit your application for disability benefits, the first decision usually takes 6 to 8 months.
How to Apply for Social Security Benefits?
You can apply online on the SSA website with the help of lawyers for social security benefits. If you can’t apply online, you can call the SSA toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Social Security Administration representatives can help you set up an appointment to apply.
If you are deaf or have difficulty hearing, you can give a call on a TTY number, (1-800-325-0778). Their available time is between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.