Social Security Disability timing question - need to wait full year before applying for SSDI?

You don't have to wait a full year before applying! That's a common misconception. The Social Security definition of disability requires that your condition has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 months (or result in death). Since your doctor believes your condition will keep you out of work for at least another year, you can absolutely apply now.The sooner you start, the better, since the process can take 3-5 months for an initial decision, and potentially much longer if you need to appeal. Make sure you have medical documentation that clearly states your doctor's opinion about your long-term prognosis.Also, if you're approved, there's a 5-month waiting period for SSDI benefits from your disability onset date. So if SSA determines your disability began in March, you'd be eligible for benefits starting in August (though you wouldn't receive the first payment until you're approved).

Thank you so much for clarifying! That's a huge relief. So they're looking at the expected duration, not how long I've already been disabled. That makes much more sense.Do you know if the medical documentation needs to specifically state that I'll be disabled for at least 12 months, or is it enough that my treatment plan shows ongoing care? My rheumatologist is supportive but sometimes hesitant to make definitive statements about long-term prognosis.

the 12 month thing is about how long ur condition lasts not about waiting to apply!!! i made that mistake and waited way too long b4 applying... big mistake!!! go ahead and apply now, the backlog is crazy anyway so better to get in line

THIS!!! I delayed applying for almost 2 years thinking I might get better and it was the worst financial decision ever. By the time I finally applied, I'd drained my entire 401k and racked up credit card debt. The system is SO SLOW even when you do everything right. They denied me twice before approving me at the hearing level - took almost 3 years total.

You absolutely can and should apply now. The requirement is that your condition

Thank you for the detailed information! I'm definitely going to start gathering my medical records right away. Do you know if I should include records from before I stopped working in March? I had symptoms for about a year before that but was able to manage with accommodations until it got significantly worse.

After trying for MONTHS to contact someone at Social Security about my disability application, I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to a real person at SSA in under 10 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puUSeriously, it saved me so much frustration. I was able to ask all my questions about my application status and get actual answers instead of the endless hold music or disconnections. Might be worth checking out if you're still having trouble reaching someone.

Interesting! Never heard of this but it makes sense... SS phone system is BROKEN. I tried calling 14 times about my disability review last month and either got disconnected or was on hold for hours just to have the call drop. How exactly does this work? Is it like a priority line or something?

It basically calls SSA for you and navigates through all the prompts, then holds your place in line. When they get a representative, you get a call to connect with them. Saved me hours of frustration. I was skeptical too but it worked exactly like their demo video shows.

i applied 4 ssdi last year and got denied even tho my doctor said i couldnt work!! its a scam, they deny everyone the first time on purpose!!! youll have to appeal and get a lawyer, thats the only way to win now

While many applications are denied initially (around 65-70%), it's not accurate that they deny everyone on purpose. SSA follows specific medical and vocational guidelines. Strong medical evidence aligned with SSA's definition of disability can result in approval on the first try. I've seen many clients approved initially, especially with well-documented conditions and limitations. That said, having representation for appeals can definitely improve your chances if you are denied.

After reading all your helpful responses, I'm going to start my application this week! I've already called my rheumatologist to request complete records going back to when symptoms first started. I'm also going to ask for a detailed letter explaining why my condition prevents me from working and that it's expected to last well beyond 12 months.Still nervous about the process but feel much better knowing I don't have to wait until the full year mark. Thank you all for clarifying this!

Great plan! One more tip: keep a daily journal documenting how your symptoms affect your daily activities. Note things like needing to rest, inability to complete household tasks, difficulty with self-care, etc. This kind of detailed information about how your condition affects your daily functioning can be very helpful in the disability determination process.

make sure u list ALL ur symptoms not just the main ones!! my nephew got approved faster cuz he included everything even the brain fog and fatigue not just the physical stuff

That's a really good point - I do have significant fatigue and cognitive issues from both the RA and the medications. Some days the brain fog is actually more limiting than the joint pain. I'll definitely make sure to document all of these effects.