Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits offer workers an opportunity to receive income if they have a qualifying medical condition that prevents them from working. Yet many people do not realize these benefits may not be available immediately after a successful application. Understanding the timeline for receiving SSDI benefits can help you plan for the future as you recover from your illness or injury.
How Long Does It Take to Get SSDI Benefits?
It’s a common concern for applicants: how long does it take for disability to kick in? Filing a successful SSDI benefits application can offer immense relief, but benefits are not immediately available.
So how long does it take to get a disability? Usually, claimants must wait five months before their benefits start. Unless a claimant qualifies for a reduced waiting period, they will start getting their SSDI payments in the sixth full month after their disability began.
Why Do I Have to Wait Five Months to Receive Benefits?
The five-month waiting period for SSDI benefits has been in place since the 1950s. Its purpose is to give the Social Security Administration (SSA) time to determine that a claimant’s medical condition is significant enough to qualify for benefits. Among the most crucial things to verify is that an illness or injury will either:
- Last at least one year, or
- Ultimately result in the claimant’s death
There is one exception, however.
Are There Exceptions to the Five-Month Waiting Period?
Many claimants have argued that modern diagnostic procedures have rendered the five-month waiting period obsolete. Nevertheless, the waiting period for SSDI benefits is strict, with only one notable exception: qualified workers diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). These claimants can begin receiving benefits immediately if approved for benefits on or after July 23, 2020.
Furthermore, those applying for benefits as dependents of workers with disabilities are not subject to a waiting period. These dependents include:
- Spouses over the age of 62 who care for a child under the age of 16 with a disability
- Ex-spouses who are single, over the age of 62, and eligible for SSDI
- Children who are single and under the age of 18
- Adult children who have a disability that started before they were 22
- Adult children who are full-time high school students under the age of 19 (eligible until graduating from high school or until two months after their 19th birthday)
For some claimants with Compassionate Allowances, the SSA can choose to expedite the application time. However, this qualification does not eliminate the five-month waiting period.
Contact Our Social Security Disability Lawyers to Learn More
Do you have a qualifying medical condition that prevents you from working? If so, you could be eligible for SSDI benefits. However, completing and filing the necessary claim paperwork can feel overwhelming and confusing. Misunderstandings or bureaucratic obstacles can lead to further delays or even outright denials. Working with an experienced SSDI attorney can give you the peace of mind that your application will be accurate and promptly filed.
For over 30 years, the Social Security Disability Insurance attorneys at Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons have helped injured Oklahomans secure the benefits they deserve. Contact our firm today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.
We are Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons, a legal firm that, for decades, has been fighting for the rights of hardworking Oklahoma residents. Our mission is to hold the powerful accountable.
