When Should You File a Social Security Disability Claim?

If you become disabled and are unable to work, you may qualify for disability benefits. And if that’s the case, you should file your Social Security Disability claim soon. A delay in filing isn’t in your best interests, as it could give the Social Security Administration (SSA) the wrong idea. Here’s what you need to know about timing your application.

How long do I have to file a SSDI claim?

Consider Your Monthly Earnings

To be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must be incapable of substantial gainful activity (SGA). In other words, you’ll only qualify for benefits if your condition prevents you from making enough of an income from work.

In 2021, the earnings cutoff for SSD claims is $1,310 per month for non-blind disabled applicants. For statutorily blind individuals, the amount increases to $2,190. The catch here is that you can only apply for disability benefits if you have been unable to meet the SGA level for at least 12 months. If that describes your situation, you should go ahead and file a SSD claim right away.

Don’t Put Off Filing a SSD Claim

Did you know that the SSA denies up to 70 percent of SSD claims? Or that getting an initial decision on your application can take several months? For both of these reasons, filing your Social Security Disability claim as soon as possible is in your best interests.

If your disability keeps you from working and your monthly income falls below the current threshold for substantial gainful activity, there’s no reason to hold off on applying for disability benefits. The sooner you file, the sooner you’ll get a decision – and if your application is denied, you can immediately request a reconsideration. If that fails, you can move forward with the appeals process. The point is, you could be waiting to receive benefits for quite some time, so it makes sense to file your SSD claim now.

Schedule a Free SSD Consultation

Do you believe you qualify to receive SSI or SSDI benefits? Or are you ready to apply? At Mountain West Disability, based in northern Utah, offers expert assistance at no upfront cost.

We have a team of highly experienced disability advocates who can answer your questions, provide advice and handle every aspect of your SSD claim. Our skilled legal professionals and case managers offer a full scope of services, and we only charge a fee – which is set by the Social Security Administration – if your application for SSI or SSDI is approved.

You can rely on the Mountain West Disability team to make every effort to help you achieve a favorable decision from the SSA. For more information about how we can help with your Social Security Disability claim application, contact us online or give our Murray, Utah, office a call to schedule a free case evaluation today.