I am disabled now but expect to be able to return to work after I recover. Should I file?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I got hurt in an automobile accident. I am disabled now, but I expect that I will be able to return to work after I recover. Should I file for a Social Security disability benefits?

Answering your question.

Maybe. It depends on how long you expect to be out of work.

Social Security Disability benefits are not for short-term injuries or situations where you expect to heal quickly. But if your recovery will take a long time, you might want to apply.

How Long Must I Be Disabled to Qualify?

To get Social Security Disability benefits, your condition must:

• Keep you from doing any full-time work
• Last — or be expected to last — at least 12 months
   OR
• Be expected to result in death
  

So, if you were injured in a car accident, ask yourself:

“Will I be unable to work for a year or more?”

• If yes, you should consider applying.
• If no, and you expect to return to work within a few months, then you likely won’t qualify for Social Security Disability.
  

Be Honest with Yourself and Your Doctors

Even if you hope to get better soon, the real question is:

• What do your doctors think?
• Do your medical records show a long recovery time or uncertainty about how well you’ll heal?

If your doctors say it could be a year or longer before you return to work, that’s when you should seriously consider applying.

Example:

Let’s say:

• You broke your spine in a car accident.
• You had surgery, and doctors say you may never fully recover.
• You’re in physical therapy, but it’s slow.
• You can’t sit, stand, or lift things for long periods.
• Your doctors estimate 12 to 18 months before you might return to work.

In that case, it makes sense to file a Social Security Disability claim.

What If You Do Get Better Later?

If you apply and get approved, you’ll get benefits only while you’re disabled. If you recover and return to work later:

• You can report that to Social Security.
• Your checks will stop — but that’s okay, because you’re healthy and working again.
• You may be eligible for programs that help you try working without losing benefits right away (like the Ticket to Work or Trial Work Period).
  

Summary (Simple Version):

If this is true…	Then you should…
You can’t work now, but will recover in a few months	Probably don’t apply — it’s not long enough
You can’t work now and recovery may take a year or more	Yes — you should apply for Social Security
You’re not sure how long recovery will take	Talk to your doctor and consider applying

Important: Don’t Wait Too Long

If you’re already several months into recovery and it’s going slowly, it’s better to apply sooner than later. The disability process can take several months, so the sooner you apply, the sooner you may get help.