Social Security Disability — when to file

How to prove you are disabled
and win disability benefits

If you have a medical condition that has caused your health to deteriorate to the point that you are unable to work, or to work enough to make a living wage, consider filing a claim for social security disability (SSD) sooner rather than later. You should not hesitate to file, for one very important reason: The process of applying and being granted social security disability benefits is generally long and drawn out. Most claims are denied upon first application (70 percent), and even upon first appeal (85 percent of first appeals, or requests for reconsideration, are denied as well).

It will take months for your application to be processed, and several more months for your case to work its way through an appeals process. If, like most claims, yours is denied at the first two levels, the next step would be to request a hearing before an administrative law judge, which can take as long as two years to materialize.

In other words, the sooner you file for disability, the better, so begin immediately gathering your medical and work history details and putting them in writing for the claims rep (CR) at the social security office who will be assigned to your case. The more detailed your medical and work history, including all relevant names, dates, locations, and contact information, the less chance there is that your case will be delayed because the CR does not have all the information needed to process your claim.

Even if you do not currently qualify for social security disability benefits because you are earning more than the monthly or yearly maximum amount allowed by social security for those receiving SSD benefits, if you have a medical condition that is affecting your ability to perform your job, and you believe your condition to one that is likely to deteriorate over time, it’s a good idea to begin documenting your medical and work history now so that you are ready to begin the process when the time comes. It’s also a good idea to find the closest social security office near you, so you know where to go to file your claim or who to call for more information.

There are social security disability (not SSI) applications and information available online, but a visit or phone call to your local social security office is almost always more productive and informative.

Return to: SSDRC, or the Questions, Answers, Tips, and Advice page

Individual Questions and Answers

The Qualification Criteria for Social Security Disability

Filing a Social Security Disability Application - How to File & the Information that is Needed by SSA

Is getting social security disability easier for mental or physical problems?

Will SSD Be Based On Newer Or Older Medical Records?

Questions about Disability Lawyers and Hiring a Disability Attorney

What does SSA consider a severe impairment for Social Security Disability or SSI Disability Benefits?

If You are Denied for Disability, What Should You do First?

Applying for disability benefits in Florida

How will Social Security Determine if you get Disability Benefits?

Working while getting Disability - is it possible?

Does The Social Security Disability Reconsideration Have A Time Limit?

What is the Chance of Winning an SSA appeal for disability?

Methods of Eligibility for Social Security Disability Children Benefits

To qualify for Social Security disability or SSI, how severe must a condition be?

If you are applying for Social Security disability when does Medicare start ?

Who is eligible for SSI Disability?

If I get disability will my children receive benefits ?

ADHD, Social Security Disability, and Applying for Benefits

If I Move To A State Where There Is A Lower Cost Of Living, Would My SSD Benefits Decrease?

If You Are Represented For Social Security Disability or SSI, When Do You Pay The Fee?

Social Security Disability Mental Testing

Can You qualify for Social Security disability or SSI on the basis of anxiety or panic attacks ?

Will I Qualify For SSI, How Do I Get Approved?

How does work qualify you for disability ?

Who qualifies to Claim Disability Benefits under the SSD or SSI program?

How much does Social Security pay in disability benefits ?

Is there a trick to qualifying for disability benefits with social security?

Hiring a Qualified Disability Lawyer in Nevada

Fibromyalgia and disability

Can You Appeal A Decision By A Judge On A Social Security Disability or SSI Case?

How Long Will It Take For A Decision Letter For Social Security Disability?

Social Security Disability SSI and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

SSD and SSI are Federal Programs

The title II Social Security Disability and title 16 SSI Disability programs operate under federal guidelines and, therefore, the program requirements--medical and non-medical--apply to all states:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Recent approval and denial statistics for various states can be viewed here:

Social Security Disability, SSI Approval and Denial Statistics by state

Special Section: Disability Lawyers and unnecessary claim denials