Can I get SSDI after not working since 2012? SSA asking for bank info for SSI application

I went through something similar last year. To answer your questions: 1. The 'recent work test' DOES matter for SSDI. You generally need to have worked 5 out of the 10 years before becoming disabled. Since you stopped in 2012, you might be outside that window unless your disability onset date is considered to be back then. 2. They ask for banking info for TWO reasons: to verify your resources for SSI eligibility (since SSI has strict asset limits) AND to set up direct deposit if you're approved. Just requesting the info doesn't mean you're approved. 3. Yes, 6 months is pretty standard for processing, though cancer cases can sometimes be expedited. Have you looked into the Compassionate Allowances program? Some cancer diagnoses qualify for faster processing. Check out claimyr.com if you need help reaching an actual SSA agent to discuss this - their service helped me get through when I kept getting disconnected. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU

The SSA representative was doing their job by taking your bank information. For SSI (not SSDI), they need to verify your assets because SSI has a $2,000 asset limit for individuals. Since your account is joint with your mother, they'll need to determine whose money is whose in that account. As for your SSDI question - it's complicated. While you do need the 40 credits for SSDI, you also need to have earned 20 credits in the 10 years before becoming disabled (the recent work test). HOWEVER, if you can prove your disability began before your Date Last Insured (DLI), which would likely be around 2017 (5 years after you stopped working), you might still qualify. Medical records from 2012 showing your health issues would be CRITICAL in this case. Do you have documentation of your health problems from back then?

Just wanted to say that the shared bank account might cause problems for SSI. My brother was in a similar situation and got denied because our mom's name was on his account and it pushed him over the $2000 limit. Make sure you tell SSA which money belongs to who! Good luck with your treatments too. Cancer is rough. 🙏

The SSA is likely processing BOTH an SSDI and SSI claim for you simultaneously - this is standard procedure. They collect bank info for the SSI part because SSI is means-tested with asset limits. About your SSDI question - YES, you can potentially still qualify even though you haven't worked since 2012! This is called an "ESTABLISHED ONSET DATE" (EOD) claim. If you can prove your disability began BEFORE your Date Last Insured expired (which would be approximately 5 years after you stopped working), you may still qualify. You NEED to gather ALL medical records from 2012-2017 showing your health problems. These will be CRITICAL to your case. The cancer diagnosis now isn't relevant to the SSDI decision if your DLI has expired - what matters is proving you were disabled before your insurance expired. This is actually a common situation, and you should request a meeting with a Claims Specialist who can explain your Date Last Insured and what evidence you need. Don't give up!

im on SSDI and the bank account thing is normal they need to kno where to deposit ur money if approved. but SSI has asset limits like everyone says and they check bank records. my nephew got denied cuz he had $3000 saved up can u believe that??? system is so messed up!!

I'm concerned that you might be mixing up SSI and SSDI, which is a common confusion. Let me try to clarify: 1. SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is based on your work history and the FICA taxes you paid while working. You need enough work credits AND some of those credits need to be recent (the recent work test). 2. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is needs-based for people with limited income and resources. This program has strict asset limits ($2,000 for individuals). It sounds like SSA may have determined you're not eligible for SSDI due to not meeting the recent work test, which is why they're processing an SSI application instead. However, as others have mentioned, if you can prove your disability began before your Date Last Insured expired, you might still qualify for SSDI. Regarding the joint bank account - this is a significant concern for SSI. They'll need to clearly determine which funds belong to you versus your mother. Sometimes they apply a 50/50 assumption unless you can prove otherwise. I would recommend setting up a separate account immediately if possible.

What stage and type of cancer do you have? Some cancers qualify for the Compassionate Allowances program which speeds up the process a LOT. My aunt got approved in like 3 weeks for stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Worth asking about!

Maybe this is a stupid question but why not just apply for SSI if SSDI isnt gonna work out? At least youd get something AND medicaid which helps with all the cancer treatment costs. Thats what my cousin did when he couldnt get SSDI cuz he hadnt worked in years.

Just wanted to add - make sure you tell SSA about ALL of your medical conditions, not just the cancer. If your disability claim goes back to 2012, they need to know everything that contributed to your inability to work back then. Many successful disability claims involve multiple conditions that combined make working impossible.