Can I reapply for SSDI with progressive disease within 5-year window without returning to work?

Yes, you can absolutely reapply for SSDI without going back to work. This is called a subsequent application, and it's common for people with progressive conditions like MS. However, there are some important things to understand: 1. The 5-year window you're referring to is your Date Last Insured (DLI), and as long as you're still within that period, your work credits are valid for a new application. 2. The key for approval will be showing medical evidence that your condition has worsened since the previous denial. Make sure your neurologist documents all changes in your condition, new symptoms, and increased limitations. 3. Be aware that they may use the prior denial as a reference point, so you'll need to show significant changes since then. I'd recommend getting a disability attorney for your new application. Many work on contingency (they only get paid if you win), and they can help gather the right medical evidence to support your case.

The system is DESIGNED to reject people the first time!!! I have lupus and was denied TWICE before finally getting approved. Don't give up! They're hoping you'll just go away. My advice - DON'T file a new application yet. Even though you missed the appeal deadline, you can file for what's called "good cause" for late filing because you were HOSPITALIZED!!! That's a legitimate reason! Call your local SSA office IMMEDIATELY and explain you were in the hospital during your appeal period. They might still let you appeal the original decision which is FASTER than starting over. The whole system is a joke - they make sick people jump through impossible hoops!!

my cousin has MS to she got denied but then she appealed and won but it took like 18 months... u should defintely appeal if u still can like the other person said

I help people connect with SSA agents quickly through Claimyr (claimyr.com) and I see this situation all the time. Regardless of whether you decide to request a good cause extension for your appeal or file a new application, you'll want to speak directly with an SSA agent to understand your best option. Regular SSA phone lines often have 2+ hour waits or disconnections, but Claimyr can typically get you through in about 15 minutes. Check out how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU For progressive conditions like MS, speaking directly with an agent can help clarify whether your case would be better served by an appeal or new application based on your specific situation and how much your condition has changed.

dont bother with ssdi try for ssi instead its easier to get

Social Security disability specialist here. You have several options: 1. New application: Yes, you can file a new initial claim without returning to work as long as you're still within your Date Last Insured (DLI) period. With progressive conditions like MS, this is common. 2. Good cause for late appeal: If your missed appeal deadline was relatively recent (generally within the past year), you can request that SSA accept your late appeal by showing "good cause" - hospitalization is a valid reason. 3. Reopening: In some cases, SSA can reopen a prior determination within 12 months for any reason, or within 4 years for "good cause." The best strategy depends on how long ago your denial was, how significantly your condition has worsened, and the specific reasons for your initial denial. If your condition has substantially worsened since the denial, a new application highlighting these changes might be most effective. Make sure to submit updated medical records showing progression of your MS, particularly new limitations that affect your ability to work. Focus on functional limitations rather than just the diagnosis.

I have rheumatoid arthritis and went through something similar. After my first denial, I was devastated too. What worked for me was getting a disability attorney who specialized in progressive diseases. They knew exactly what medical documentation was needed to show how my condition had worsened. One thing that really helped my case was keeping a detailed symptom journal for 3 months showing how my condition affected daily activities. My attorney said this was crucial evidence, especially for conditions that have good days and bad days. Regarding your question about the 5-year window - yes, those work credits remain valid within your DLI period, and you don't need to return to work before reapplying. The key is demonstrating that your condition now meets the disability criteria, even if it didn't at the time of your first application.

Update: I called my local SSA office this morning! The agent I spoke with (after only waiting 20 minutes!) said I should definitely try for the good cause extension since my hospitalization was documented. She also recommended that I gather all my new medical evidence showing progression since the denial, just in case I need to file a new application. She said either way, I should get a disability advocate to help me since MS cases can be complicated. Feeling a bit more hopeful now. Thanks to everyone for the advice!

theres a place on the application where it asks if u applied before so u have to say yes

Has anyone here successfully gotten approved after being initially denied for MS specifically? I'm curious how long it took and what evidence made the difference. My sister's facing a similar situation with her SSDI application for MS.