Advice from our Lawyers: Why You Should File for Disability Benefits Now
For everyone, regardless of their situation, it is always better to file for
Social Security Disability earlier rather than later. There are several
reasons that we will explore here that delay could hurt, or even ruin your
chances to win disability benefits.
What if you filed already and you have been denied? In that case you can see from the letters Social Security is sending you that there are strict time limits on your appeals. You need to make a timely appeal of their decision to get another chance at winning benefits. If you don’t file your appeal on time your application will be dismissed.
What if you stopped working a while back, and just haven’t filed yet? People with a good work history will earn quarters of coverage which make you eligible to receive SSDI benefits. But these quarters of coverage stop accruing when you stop working. If you wait too long to file you may not be eligible to file when you apply, if you miss your date last insured (DLI) deadline.
If you are not eligible for SSI (maybe due to a pension, other assets, or a spouse’s income) missing your DLI could mean you are not eligible for either type of Social Security Disability benefits.
Your ability to maximize your back pay award is another reason why you should file now. The back award is in part based on your filing date. For people who file for SSI only, their back pay cannot go back any further than the protected filing date. Filing early can maximize your back award which amounts to money in your pocket should you win.
It is important that you understand the maze of Social Security rules and regulations, or that you get help from someone who does. I know you want to maximize your back award, and remain aware of appeal deadlines and DLI issues, but if you are not up to that challenge then it’s essential you get help from a Social Security Disability lawyer.
Part of the application process relies on you taking action – and waiting too long to file can really cost you.
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How to
Get More Help
We hope
the information linked to from this page will help you
regardless of where you are in the process. If
you have a question about your disability case that
you don’t find answered in the resources linked to
above, then contact us
here or give us a call at (800) 584-3700.
For more information on our attorneys, please visit Our Attorneys page.
For more information on Social Security Disability, please see:
Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) FAQs
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) FAQs
Social Security Disability Links
Social Security Glossary
