File for disability or SSI in Pennsylvania as soon as possible   This is really just a bit of practical advice. If you think you are disabled in Pennsylvania, file for disability benefits quickly and asap (whether the disability application is for Social Security Disability or SSI will be determined by the social security administration when you go to apply). I only say this because so many people who later, at some point, become applicants for Social Security Disability or ssi disability did not file when they should have. By this, I mean that, even though they eventually did contact social security and file for disability, this happened only after too much consideration was devoted to whether or not they should file at all. Put plainly, the problem with waiting too long to file (when you already know you are disabled) is that the Social Security Disability system is a very lengthy process. From start to finish, it can easily take 2-3 years to get approved. Therefore, an individual who feels they are legitimately disabled might find it prudent to get a disability application started, to get one "in the pipeline", so to speak. Resources: 1. An application for disability if you are working 2. Working and SSI, Social Security Disability 3. Medical conditions on which to apply for disability 4. Filing for SSD and SSI disability and how to apply Of course, many individuals put off filing for disability because they want to work as long as they possibly can. This is understandable. People need to support themselves and they have bills to pay. And this is unfortunate also, because some people actually substantially aggravate their condition by forcing themselves to work longer than they should. However, individuals who have stopped working should not hesitate to file for disability. Because the longer they wait, the higher the "opportunity cost" (anyone who's ever taken accounting will be familiar with this phrase). And there is another factor to consider as well. Those who have stopped working and are essentially living off savings will probably, at some point, deplete their savings. By all means, these individuals should initiate a disability claim to get "things rolling" as soon as possible. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Filing for disability in Pennsylvania Applying for disability in Pennsylvania Filing for disability or SSI in Pennsylvania Pennsylvania SSI disability benefits Qualifying, will I qualify for disability in Pennsylvania? Social Security Disability SSI and being permanently disabled in Pennsylvania Pennsylvania disability claim staus Why a disability case in Pennsylvania takes so long Disability decisions and denials in Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Social Security Disability SSI decisions If you get denied for disability in Pennsylvania After being denied for disability in Pennsylvania Pennsylvania disability appeals and hearings Filing a disability appeal in Pennsylvania Chances of winning disability on an appeal in Pennsylvania? How can you improve the chance of winning disability in Pennsylvania? How long does it take to get a disability hearing in Pennsylvania? Winning a disability hearing in Pennsylvania Hiring a disability lawyer in Pennsylvania Getting a disability lawyer in Pennsylvania How will a Pennsylvania disability lawyer help my claim? The cost to hire a disability attorney in Pennsylvania When should you get a disability attorney in Pennsylvania? How can a Pennsylvania disability lawyer win a disability case?