To qualify for Social Security disability benefits, the applicant for benefits must prove that their disability is going to last for 12 months or more. This does not mean that a person seeking Social Security disability benefits has to wait a full year before filing their claim.
If an individual seeking Social Security disability benefits has been advised by their doctors that they have an injury or disability that is expected to last more than 12 months, they should not wait to file their claim. They should do so immediately. It can take anywhere from 12 to 18 months from when the initial application is filed to have a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge assuming the Level 1 Application has been denied.
Additionally, you may be entitled to back pay. Therefore, why wait? If you believe your injury and disability is going to keep you from doing any significant work for more than a year, and your doctor supports such a position, file the application, and do not hesitate to call us right away.