Should I Apply For Social Security Disability?

The first thing you need to consider is the fact that you cannot be both working and disabled under the Social Security disability rules.  Unlike other disability programs, Social Security Disability does not provide benefits for partial disability – under the Social Security Disability rules you are either working or you are disabled.  Hence, if you are able to work, you should not apply for Social Security Disability because you will be denied (unless you are only capable of earning a very small amount of money due to your disability – but that is beyond the scope of this article).

The Application Process Can Take a Long Time

The Social Security Disability process can take quite a long time.  The Social Security Adminstration will take up to 6 months to review and decide on your initial application.  If you are denied and decide to file for reconsideration, than can take up to another 6 months before the Social Security Administration decides whether or not to grant you benefits.

Further Appeals Can Take Years

If you are denied at the reconsideration step and file a Request for Hearing Before An Administrative Law Judge (SSA form HA-501) it can take more than two years before you receive a hearing date.  Even if your benefits are granted at the hearing level, it can take 2-3 months before you start receiving your checks.  If you are denied at the hearing level, there are further appeals but those will take more time.

If You are Capable of Working, Don't Bother

What we are getting at here is that if you are capable of working, it simply does not make sense to apply and undergo this lengthy and labor-intensive process because if the Social Security Administration deems you capable of working, you will be denied and all of your efforts will be for naught.

Get Professional Assistance

On the other hand, if you are incapable of working, you should apply immediately, especially because the process can be so lengthy.  You should speak to a Social Security Disability attorney who is a specialist who can help you complete your application.  Having your application completed with the assistance of an expert can significantly increase your chances of getting approved or building a strong file for use in case you get denied and decide to appeal.