When do I apply for Social Security disability?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When Do I Apply?

Answering your question.

You should apply for Social Security Disability benefits as soon as you realize that your health problem is serious enough that it will keep you from working for at least 12 months or could lead to death.

You do not have to wait 12 months before applying. If your doctor tells you that you probably won’t be able to work for a year or longer, or if your condition is very serious, you should start your application right away. Applying early is important because it can take several months (sometimes even longer) for Social Security to review your case and make a decision.

Here’s why applying early matters:

• There is a 5-month waiting period after Social Security decides that your disability started. That means you won’t get paid for the first five months you are disabled, even if they approve you later.
• The application process can take time. It’s normal for the first decision to take 3–6 months, and sometimes longer.
• You may need to appeal. Many people get denied the first time they apply, even when they qualify. Appeals add more time, so it’s better to start the process as soon as you can.
  

You should apply if:

• Your health problem stops you from doing your past work or any other full-time work.
• Your doctor expects your condition to last at least a year or longer.
• Your condition is terminal (expected to result in death).
  
  

Even if you are receiving other benefits like sick leave, short-term disability from your employer, or workers’ compensation, you can still apply for Social Security Disability at the same time. You do not have to wait for other benefits to end.

In short:

• Apply as soon as it is clear that your disability will last 12 months or more, or could lead to death.
• Don’t wait for your savings, sick leave, or other help to run out.
• The sooner you apply, the sooner you can start getting the help you may need.

Can I get Social Security disability benefits if I expect to get better and return to work?

Yes, you can get Social Security Disability benefits even if you expect to get better in the future — but only if your medical condition is expected to last at least 12 months in a row or could lead to death.

Social Security doesn’t require you to be permanently disabled. They understand that some people eventually recover. What matters most is how long you’re unable to work due to your condition.

Here’s how it works:

You can qualify for benefits if:

• Your condition is serious enough that it stops you from doing any full-time job.
• Your condition is expected to last at least one full year (12 months in a row), or is considered terminal.
• Even if you plan or hope to go back to work someday, as long as your condition currently meets these requirements, you can qualify.
  
  

You won’t qualify if:

• Your condition is expected to improve enough in less than 12 months for you to go back to work.
• You’re working and making over a certain amount of money (in 2025, more than about $1,550 per month before taxes—called “Substantial Gainful Activity”).
  
  

Example:

Let’s say you have a back injury from a car accident. Your doctor says recovery will take 18 months, and you can’t work during that time. You can apply for disability benefits even though you’ll likely improve. If Social Security agrees with your doctor’s evidence, they may approve your benefits for that period.

Social Security may check on your case later through a Continuing Disability Review. If you recover and go back to work, your benefits could stop — but that’s okay. The program is meant to help people while they can’t work, even if it’s temporary.

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In short: If you’re out of work for at least a year because of your condition, you may qualify, even if you expect to get better in the future. You don’t need to be permanently disabled to get Social Security Disability.