When should I apply for Social Security Disability
Posted in Social Security
I am sure that you can find hundreds of websites and blogs that will provide you a similar question. If you’re looking for a quick answer, unfortunately, I can’t give it.
Here’s the short answer to your question:
When should I apply for Social Security Disability? IT DEPENDS!
Sorry, I can’t give you a straight answer because every one is a little different. However, I can give you some things to contemplate when making the decision.
1) Don’t base your WORK decision on how soon you can get Social Security Disability. Most people don’t want to have their financial life disrupted. As a result, they keep pushing forward with working because they don’t know how long it’s going to take to get Social Security Disability benefits. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but you are probably NOT going to be able to quickly transition from working to receiving Social Security Disability benefits.
2) Don’t base your FINANCIAL decision on how soon you can get Social Security Disability. Listen, depending on where you are and the strength of your case, you may be looking at 2 months to 2 1/2 years from the time you apply to the time you get benefits. If you’re lucky enough to have savings, stocks, and mutual funds that you can live off while you wait, don’t bank on trying to get benefits before the funds run out.
3) If you can do something else, keep that in mind. Now, if you’ve spent the last 30 years working in construction, or mines, or heavy labored work, you may be in unique position to demonstrate that you are worn out from doing all that hard labor. HOWEVER, just because you can’t do what you’re used to doing, this doesn’t mean that you are automatically going to get disability. Social Security Administration wants to know if you can do your job or anything else.
4) If decide to do a part-time job, Social Security will consider it. Most people who are waiting for Social Security Disability are really concerned because they have NO money coming into the household. As a result, they are curious about working a part-time job while they wait. Keep in mind, any monies made during this time will be considered and, in some instances, may hurt your case.
5) If you’re SLICK with trying to supplement your income, you are probably going to get caught! Most people know that any earnings are reported to Social Security Administration. However, some people fail to acknowledge that the Social Security Administration is still a part of the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT so they are kept aware of various things. So as a result, be careful if you decide to “work under the table”, serve as a consultant, or serve as a corporate executive (even though you don’t do anything). If you are getting money for something you are doing or representing, Social Security Administration is probably going to find out.
6) It doesn’t matter if someone ELSE found you disabled. Listen, if you’re getting state disability or Long Term / Short Term Disability or Workers Compensation or VA disability, that’s great. These programs are helpful and can provide some awesome info for the SSA Disability program but do not think that receiving these disability benefits will automatically entitle you to Social Security Disability.
I know it’s tough to determine at what point you should apply. It’s hard because making this decision is recognizing that you are making a tough financial decision which can affect your household. Just remember that you must look at the big picture to totally appreciate at what point you should make that move towards applying for benefits and how making that move will affect you.
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