People wonder when they should file for Social Security Disability or if they should file at all.
First of all you should make sure that you are eligible for Social Security Disability.
If you have not paid Social Security taxes, then you cannot be paid disability benefits.
This may have happened if you were out of the work force in the last 10 years as a stay at home mom or dad, or if you were self-employed and did not pay Social Security taxes, or if you were a teacher or university professor who did not pay into the Social Security system.
If you have any questions you should contact your local Social Security office and ask them if you are eligible for disability benefits based on your work record.
Some people may be able to file for SSI if they cannot get the regular Social Security Disability benefits. SSI depends on household income and assets. You should contact an experienced Social Security lawyer to discuss your options.
If you are eligible and cannot work, then you should file your application as soon as possible. The reason is that it can take a long time to examine your medical records and decide your case. In central Illinois it is taking up to 2 years from application to hearing. In addition, you may lose benefits if you wait too long to file. Back benefits will only be paid 12 months before your application date.
If you think you can only work part-time, then you should file. Social Security allows you to earn less than $1,000 gross per month and still file for benefits.
If you have alcohol or drug abuse problems do not file. Social Security will deny you if you have substance abuse issues. Make sure you get treatment through a substance abuse center or through AA or NA, and then file your application.
If you have not been seeing a doctor for your problems do not file. Social Security disability is all about your medical treatment and records. It is a waste of your time to file for disability and not have medical treatment. Make sure you see your doctors and explain all your problems and how they limit and restrict you and then file your disability application.
Questions about your case? Feel free to contact Illinois Social Security Disability Lawyer Dirk May with Williams and Swee at 309-827-4371.