Do I need to be out of work for a year before applying for Social Security Disability benefits?
No! We cannot stress this enough. You can file the day you become disabled. In fact, it is best to file as early as possible.There are a couple of reasons why it is best to file as early as possible.• First, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims generally take quite a while to process.• Secondly, the amount of retro-active benefits that you are entitled may be tied to the date you file your claim.With respect to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Disabled Widow’s and Widower’s Benefits, retro-active benefits only go back as far as one year prior to the date of the claim. Therefore, if you wait too long to file a claim, you may miss out on benefits you may otherwise have been entitled.With respect to an Adult Child claim under Title II of the Social Security Act, retro-active benefits only go as far back as six months prior to the date of the claim. Once again, it is best to file as early as possible.
