When Should I Apply for SSDI?

Disability is unpredictable. It helps to know some facts about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits before you need them. According to estimates, more than one in four 20-year-olds become disabled before they reach retirement age. SSDI provides support. But when should you apply for it? And when is it too late to apply?

When Should You Apply for SSDI?

You should apply for SSDI as soon as you become disabled if you have a qualifying medical condition that meets the following criteria:

• It is expected to last at least one year or result in death
• It is severe and significantly limits or prevents you from working

It can take the Social Security Administration (SSA) three to five months to process your application. For information on qualifying medical conditions, see the SSA’s listing of impairments.

How Long Do You Need to Work to Qualify for SSDI?

In addition to having a qualifying medical condition and meeting the SSA’s definition of disability, you must have enough work credits and worked recently enough to apply for benefits.

For example, in 2021:

• You will receive one credit for each $1,470 of earnings (earnings requirement is adjusted yearly)
• Each person receives a maximum of four credits yearly

How many work credits do you need?

The number of credits needed depends on your age when you become disabled. Younger workers qualify with fewer credits. For details based on your age, see the section, Number of Credits Needed for Disability Benefits on the SSA’s website.

For information about how SSDI benefits are calculated, please read our post How Much Social Security Disability Benefits Can You Get?

Is It Ever Too Late to Apply for SSDI benefits?

If you delay, it may be too late to apply for SSDI benefits. Consider the facts:

1. When you stop working, you no longer pay FICA taxes, which fund Social Security, Medicare, and SSDI.
2. Your SSDI coverage will end on what is called the Date Last Insured.
3. The Date Last Insured (DLI) is about five years after you stop working.
4. You can still apply for SSDI. But you must be able to prove that your disability began before your Date Last Insured.
5. Before you apply, you must have enough recent work credits and work history—usually at least five of the last ten years.

Request a Consultation

SSDI laws can be complex. If you have a chronic illness that will prevent you from working for a year or more, schedule a consultation with an SSDI lawyer. In the San Antonio, Texas, area, contact Wogwu Law to discuss your eligibility. And you can learn how our legal representation can guide you through the application process and help win your case.