The simple answer to this question might seem to be, “As soon as possible.” Actually, this is not a bad answer. As soon as you realize you cannot work because of a physical or mental condition, you should file your application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). It helps to understand why the timing of your application is important. In this article, we will look at some of the important dates that affect your SSDI benefits.
The Waiting Period
The Social Security Administration (“Social Security”) manages the SSDI program. Under current SSDI rules, SSDI benefits usually do not start until your sixth full month of disability. If you were disabled on January 1, 2020, your benefits should begin by June.
However, there are some exceptions. For example, people who qualify for the Compassionate Allowances program may start receiving payment earlier because their application will be expedited.
Another consideration is that it may take more than five months to process your application. Waiting to file your claim for Social Security Disability Insurance might be a problem. It’s just really a good idea to talk to a disability lawyer as soon as you realize you are disabled.
The Date Your Disability Began
Social Security considers your Alleged Onset Date to be the date you filed your application for benefits. This date may affect any retroactive SSDI payments that may be due to you. Generally, Social Security calculates retroactive benefits from your Alleged Onset Date. Waiting to file your application could reduce the amount of retroactive benefits you receive.
Eventually, Social Security will decide on an Established Onset Date. This date might be earlier than your application date if medical evidence proves your disability began well before you applied. However, is this really a chance you want to take?
When You File Your Application for Social Security Disability Insurance Matters
Medicare coverage is another factor to consider. SSDI recipients have to wait for 24-months before they become eligible for Medicare. So, the date you apply affects the date you begin receiving benefits, which affects the date you become eligible for Medicare.
Talk to an attorney about your eligibility for disability benefits if you are a self-employed worker. The attorneys at The Law Offices of Martin Taller have more than 50 years’ legal experience, much of it involving Social Security Disability Insurance claims. They can help you with your application and any appeals that might be needed.
Call us at 714-385-8100 for a free consultation. Though our office is located in Anaheim, we assist clients throughout Southern California.
