When Should You Apply for SSDI After a Work Injury? A Timeline Overview

Were you injured at work and filed a workers’ compensation claim?  You most likely received benefits to cover your injuries and a financial lifeline while you recovered. However, these benefits aren’t meant to last forever.

This is where social security disability insurance (SSDI) comes in. They’re meant to provide more long-term support if your injuries prevent you from returning to work at all. If you suffered a recent injury, you might be wondering when the right time would be to file for SSDI. This post will explain when to file and why timing is so crucial in these situations.

What Is SSDI and Who Qualifies?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a benefit the Social Security Administration (SSA) provides if you have a long-term disability. Unlike workers’ comp, which comes with a time limit and expects workers to return after they recover, SSDI is more permanent. To qualify, you need to have at least 40 work credits, and your medical condition is expected to last at least 12 months or longer.

Can I Apply for SSDI While Receiving Workers’ Compensation?

Yes, you can apply to both SSDI and workers’ comp as long as you’re eligible. However, doing this might affect your current benefits once the new ones are in effect. The SSA looks at how much you receive on workers’ comp and “offsets” the amount so it doesn’t go over 80% of your income before the injury.

Why Timing Is So Important In These Cases

If you know your injury will keep you out of work for a long time, file for SSDI immediately.

Getting your benefits approved the first time is already difficult as is, but waiting too long will only make it harder to provide the necessary evidence. The SSA also has a 5-month waiting period for most conditions. If you apply for workers’ compensation near the end of your period, you may be left without benefits for a few months. That gap in coverage could create unnecessary financial stress that could’ve easily been prevented had you started earlier.

In short, the sooner you start the process, the better.

How To Apply For SSDI After A Work Injury

If you’re planning on applying to SSDI after your workplace injury, here’s what you need to do:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

When you’re injured, your health is your number one priority. Seek emergency treatment and get a full medical evaluation immediately. These medical records could also serve as valuable evidence when you file your claim.

2. Evaluate the Severity of Your Injury

While most injuries heal over time, some may lead to chronic medical conditions that you may never recover from. If you see little to no progress in your condition after a few months, have your doctor reevaluate it and determine whether it’s a long-term illness or disability. This can help you decide if it’s time to start an SSDI case and prove to the SSA that your condition isn’t improving.

3. Apply for SSDI

You don’t need to wait a full year to apply for benefits. Once it’s clear you’ll be out of work for a while, you can start the process immediately. The earlier you start, the sooner the SSA will process your case and approve your benefits if you meet the requirements.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

If you’ve been seriously injured at work, you have no reason to wait months to get the benefits you’re entitled to. Applying for SSDI earlier ensures you have consistent financial and medical support while you recover.

Our Long Island social security disability lawyers have decades of experience helping applicants build their SSDI claims and negotiate with the SSA in case of denial. Please contact us at 855-598-1413 to schedule a free consultation with one of our experts today.