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WHEN'S THE RIGHT TIME TO APPLY FOR DISABILITY?

When's the right time to apply for Social Security Disability, or SSDI?

 The general answer is:  "As soon as you stop working and are convinced that you will not become able to work again within the next 12 months."

 Some things to keep in mind:

 1.  You can't apply for SSDI while you're still working.  If you have wages, salary, or self employment income of at least $1,260 per month (gross), you are barred from filing an application.  There are no exceptions.

 2.  There is no such thing as working while you are "unable to work."  The federal law does not permit you to claim disability while working at substantial gainful activity, no matter what age you are or what your medical impairments are.

 3.  Social Security requires that you be unable to work due to a medical impairment which has lasted for 12 straight months, is expected to last 12 straight months, OR to end in death.  There's no benefit for a short term disability (where you're expected to go back to work within 12 months).

 So, the best question to ask yourself is this:  Do I have a condition which medically will prevent me from working for the next 12 consecutive months or longer?

 If the answer is Yes, and there is medical evidence to prove it, you should file a disability claim right away.  I always recommend talking to your doctor before filing a claim.  There are relatively few medical conditions which automatically are expected to disable a person for 1 year.  But most conditions depend on the severity and details of the illness.  Your treating doctor is the best judge of whether your condition will cause you to be off work at least 12 straight months.

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