When Should I File for Disability Benefits? Timing Matters

It is critical to begin the application process as soon as your disability prevents you from working. Filing early protects your eligibility and can maximize your benefits. The day after you stop working is not too early to file.

If you wait too long:

With SSDI, you may lose retroactive benefits (also called back pay) and could even become ineligible if your insured status expires after you stop working and are no longer paying Social Security taxes.
With SSI, benefits can only begin the month after your application is filed, so waiting means lost months of payments.

Starting your application right away ensures that you do not miss out on the benefits you deserve.

View our FAQ for more answers about Social Security Disability Insurance.

At Disability Advocates, we know the Social Security Disability system inside and out and we use that knowledge to anticipate challenges, quickly adapt, and find solutions where others might just see obstacles.

Answer a few questions and we will tell you how we can help.

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