When to Apply

• The Social Security Administration encourages people with disabilities to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance as soon as they become disabled and unable to work. It can take quite a while to review applications and for benefits to begin. There is no mandatory waiting period before you can apply for benefits; you can apply the same day you become disabled if you like. The Social Security Administration requests a lot of information and documentation when you apply for disability benefits, but you can begin an application even if you do not have all the necessary information or documents. Trained staff will help you gather the information and documentation you need if you need help.
  
  

Time for Approval

• The Social Security Administration website points out that it typically takes three to five months to review your application for Social Security Disability Insurance. If your application is initially turned down, you can request a review but that takes more time. If your application is turned down again, you can appeal the decision, which takes even longer. You can help the process along by completing all paperwork as quickly as possible, providing complete and accurate information and attending any appointments related to your disability application as scheduled.
  
  

When Benefits Begin

• Social Security Disability Insurance benefits begin the first full month after you have been disabled and unable to work for five months. That means if you become disabled on February 15, your benefits will begin in August. If it takes longer than five months for the Social Security Administration to approve your application, you'll receive payment for the past months in which you qualified for benefits in one lump sum once your application is approved.
  
  

Medicare

• After you have qualified for Social Security Disability Insurance for two years, you will also qualify for Medicare. You will receive information in the mail about how to sign up for Medicare benefits when the waiting period is over; you do not need to apply for Medicare if you already receive Social Security disability benefits.