Waiting To Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits

On This Page

1. Common SSD Application Mistakes: Waiting too Long to Apply

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

November 11, 2022

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

Common SSD Application Mistakes: Waiting too Long to Apply

Most people believe there is a requirement that you must be off work for at least six months to one year before you can apply for or collect Social Security disability benefits. This is false. You can apply for disability as soon as you feel you are disabled and cannot work. However, your disabilities must be expected to last for a year or longer to qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI.)

In fact, a common mistake made when applying for disability benefits is waiting too long.

To be eligible for SSD or Social Security Disability Benefits, one must have worked and earned enough work credits over the years.

Typically, you must have worked five full years out of the last ten to be eligible for SSD benefits.

SSD benefits are paid though a person’s FICA taxes. The more you work and earn, the more your disability check will be.

It is important to know that these work credits can expire.  Once you stop working and paying into the Social Security FICA tax, your work credits will eventually expire.  The date that those work credits expire is known as your date last insured.  Your work credits will not expire right away, but it is important to know when they will.  If you have questions regarding your date last insured, you can contact the Social Security Administration.

If you have already waited too long and your work credits have expired, you may be eligible for the benefit known as SSI or Supplemental Security Income.

These disability benefits are based on assets and income instead of work credits. You can call the Social Security Administration or an experienced Social Security Disability attorney to see if you are eligible.

As you can see, it is important to apply for these benefits right away.  You do not want to lose out on the benefits you deserve.  

You should apply for Social Security Disability benefits right away. If you become disabled and unable to work, you need these benefits. The process for receiving these monthly payments can take a long time, so it is important that you begin the application process as soon as possible.

If you are considering applying for either SSD or SSI benefits, do not delay.  Contact an experienced Social Security Disability Attorney to find out how. Call the Social Security Disability attorneys at Berger and Green at 412-661-1400 for a free no obligation consultation to discuss your claim.