Although you do not have to be disabled for a specific amount of time before applying for disability benefits, it is important to determine the best time to apply for Social Security disability benefits.
Application Process
Before you submit your disability benefit application, let’s review what typically occurs when an initial application is submitted.
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When an individual initially applies for disability benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) typically states that it will take 90-120 days to reach a decision. Realistically, the process may take longer (6-8 months) or shorter depending on the severity of the applicant’s condition among other factors. In addition, if the initial claim is denied (and over 65% of initial claims are), going through the appeals process to fight the denial will be necessary.
Given these conditions, you may possibly find yourself in great financial distress while waiting to gain benefit approval.
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Best Time to Apply
Now that you realize the amount of time and effort it may take for your initial disability claim to be processed by the SSA, when is the best time to apply?
Contrary to what most people believe, there is no requirement that mandates disabled individuals to be unemployed for six months or one year before applying for disability benefits.
If you are unable to work and have a condition that is expected to last at least one year (or illness that is likely to result in death), then minimize your waiting time by applying for benefits the very next day after leaving work due to your medical condition or as soon as your earnings drop below $1,040 per month. Even though you can apply for benefits while working, it may throw doubt on your claim that you can’t work.
On the other hand, if you have a borderline case (such as a disability claim that is not an obvious long-term impairment), some disability attorney’s suggest that you should be unemployed for about six months before applying for disability benefits to lessen doubt on your claim.
Start the new year right by getting a free consultation from our expert disability attorneys at Jurewitz Law Group that constantly deal with the complex Social Security system and fight for our clients benefit approval every day.
Happy New Year!
