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WAITING PERIODS: CONFUSING AND DANGEROUS

I think one of the most confusing Social Security topics is the "waiting period."

Many people think they have to wait a certain period of time before applying for disability benefits.  This is a mistake that can cost you thousands of dollars, maybe even all of your disability benefits for the rest of your life.

Here is the rule, without exception:  Apply for benefits as soon as you believe you have a medical condition that will last 12 months or more and will keep you from working.  Period.

It will take about 4 months to get a decision on your application.  So, get it filed without waiting. By the time you get approved, the waiting period will probably be over!

If you are disabled, file right now.  There are several dangers in waiting.
  • Your date last insured (DLI) may slip up on you and you lose the right to file for disability (forever).
  • You lose benefits based on a late filing date.
  • It simply takes several months longer to get your money than it should have.
I am not even going to try to explain "waiting periods" here because they are confusing to most people.  The more I try to explain them, the more confusing they become.  Therefore, let me simply repeat the rule:

Apply for benefits as soon as you believe you have a medical condition that will last 12 months or more and will keep you from working.  Period.

When in doubt, file the claim.  There is nothing to be gained by waiting.  There is everything to lose.


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