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File your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim as soon as you cannot work because of a disability that has lasted or is likely to last at least 12 months, or to result in death. If you haven't worked for a while before you become disabled, the longer you wait to file, the harder it may be to demonstrate that you meet the disability test. Delay could result in a loss of all or part of your benefits.

There is no such thing as filing too early. Since there is no fee for filing a claim, there is no fee to lose. The worst that would happen is your claim will be denied. You can file again with no penalty if circumstances change. According to a Social Security executive with more than 20 years experience in the area, in addition to official rules, people don't even consider whether you've filed before.

If You Were Just diagnosed: It doesn't matter if you were just diagnosed.

If You Are During or Post-Treatment: It doesn't matter if you've just been diagnosed, or are during or post-treatment.

If an Employer Continues to Pay You: It also doesn't matter if your employer is continuing to pay you, whether as sick pay, vacation pay or a salary continuation.

If you receive Workers Compensation: You can even file a claim while you're receiving money from Workers' Compensation.

If you are considering delaying filing your claim for any reason, such as you are already receiving workers' compensation or state disability benefits, speak with an attorney to help assess the situation. If the decision is made to delay filing, speak with the attorney about at least protecting your Filing Date, which is an important date.

NOTE: If you start a SSDI claim, and then decide you are okay to go back to work, you can stop your claim without penalty. There is no charge for anything in Social Security