How Long Must You Be Out of Work to Qualify for Disability?

There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to applying for Social Security disability benefits. A common one is about when you should apply for disability benefits. Many people incorrectly believe that you should wait until you’ve been out of work a year before you apply for disability benefits. This is not the case. In fact, you should apply for disability benefits as soon as you become disabled. The process can take several months and can be confusing. That’s why Disability Experts of Florida is here to help you through the process and get the disability benefits you need and deserve.

Some Disability Benefits Requirements

Disability benefits are awarded for total disability only—not partial or short-term disability. Therefore, to be considered disabled, you must meet these requirements:

• You cannot do the type of work that you did before
• You have worked and paid into Social Security, earning satisfactory work credits
• The SSA decides that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s)
• Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death

This is where confusion occurs when it comes to applying for disability benefits. As mentioned in the last bullet, your disability needs to have lasted or be expected to last for at least one year to be considered eligible for disability benefits. But, this does not mean that you should be out of work for a year before you file for disability benefits. You should apply for disability benefits as soon as you become disabled.

Apply for Disability Benefits as Soon as Possible

As soon as you become disabled, you should apply for disability benefits. When applying for disability benefits, you’ll need to provide specific information relating to your age, past work and medical condition.  You’ll also need to fill out an application and file specific paperwork with the Social Security Administration. That’s where we come in. We can help make the process of applying for disability benefits easier.  

Contact Us for Help with Disability Benefits

If you have any questions about whether or not you qualify or when or how to apply or other questions about disability benefits, contact the advocates at Disability Experts of Florida to review your case.