When is the Best Time to Apply for Social Security Benefits?
You should apply for Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
benefits when your health no longer allows you to work at the level of Substantial
Gainful Activity. Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) is defined as work that is both
“substantial” and “gainful.” “Substantial” means work that involves significant
physical or mental activities and “gainful” means work done for pay or profit,
whether or not you actually realize a profit. Usually, if you are working and
earning more than a certain amount, you are not going to be found disabled. However,
that is not always the case. In some instances, you may be able to work and earn
some pay, yet still be found disabled. In 2010, the SGA amount is $1,000. The
amount you are allowed to earn without being disqualified for benefits is set out in
the regulations and changes yearly so it’s important to inform your lawyer or
representative that you’re working, how many hours you’re working, and how much
income you’re making.
You do not have to file for benefits immediately after becoming unable to work. However, it’s important not to wait too long to file your application since you may become ineligible for Social Security Disability Benefits once your Date Last Insured (DLI) expires. Many people are surprised to learn that Social Security Disability Benefits have a shelf life. Once you quit working, you are only insured for disability benefits for a certain amount of time. That time is determined by your earnings record and how much you paid in taxes while you worked. It’s important to be aware of the date of your DLI since its expiration may prevent you from being able to receive benefits. Supplemental Security Income does not have an expiration date, but many people, due to excess assets, may not qualify for SSI.
To keep reading the December 2014 Newsletter please click here.How to Get More Help
We hope s 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
