When to Apply for SSDI Benefits | Beacon Disability

When Should You Apply for SSDI Benefits?

If you’re disabled and unable to work, you may be wondering when the best time is to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.

My name is Kaitlin Wildoner, and I’m an attorney who helps disabled clients obtain their disability benefits as quickly as possible so they can focus on getting better. In this video, we are going to discuss when to consider applying for SSDI benefits.

Apply As Soon As You Become Disabled

We often recommend that you apply for SSDI benefits as soon as you become disabled and anticipate that your disability will prevent you from working for at least 12 months or result in death.

Early applications can help to get the process rolling and potentially shorten any waiting period. It’s important to note that you will need to stop working or have reduced your work activity significantly due to your disability before you can apply for SSDI benefits.

SSDI Eligibility Depends on Work History

SSDI eligibility is based on your work history and the accumulation of work credits. If you have earned enough work credits based on your age and work history, you can apply for SSDI benefits.

We typically say that you should have worked for five of the last ten years to qualify.

Apply When Your Condition Lasts or Is Expected to Last 12 Months

SSDI benefits are designed for individuals with long-term disabilities. If your condition has lasted 12 months or more, or is expected to last that long, it might be an appropriate time to apply for SSDI benefits.

Apply Within Five Years of Stopping Work

To potentially qualify for SSDI benefits, you generally need to have worked and earned a sufficient number of work credits within the past five years before becoming disabled.

Therefore, applying within that five-year window after you stop working is generally recommended.

Apply Again If Your Condition Has Worsened

If you have previously been denied SSDI benefits but your condition has worsened, causing a significant impact on your ability to work and function on a daily basis, it may be a suitable time to consider applying for SSDI benefits again.

Applying and clearly outlining the way your condition has worsened can help to strengthen your case for disability.

Final Thought: When You Meet the SSDI Criteria, It’s Time

If you meet the eligibility criteria for SSDI benefits—including having a severe disability, being unable to engage in substantial gainful activity, and meeting the work credit requirements—it might be an appropriate time to apply.

Thanks so much for watching.
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