Filing For SSD Before Year-End In The Carolinas: Why You Shouldn’t Wait Until Next Year

In this article, you will discover:

• When you should file your disability claim
• Typical delays in processing your claim that you should plan for or expect
• How a disability attorney can help you file your claim even when deadlines are tight or looming

Why Is It Often Smarter To File A Social Security Disability Claim Before The End Of The Year In The Carolinas?

In any disability claim, once you know the impairment will potentially keep you out of work for 12 months, the earlier you file, the better off you’ll be to protect your rights. With SSI, you can get paid from the first full month after you file, even while your application is pending.

With the SSDI, there is a five-month waiting period from the point at which you became disabled, which would usually be the point at which you stopped working. There’s a little leeway in there, but the longer you wait to file, the longer you wait for benefits. Therefore, as soon as you identify the claim you’re going to pursue, that’s the time to file.

Are Delays At Local SSA Offices During The Holiday Season Something Applicants Should Plan For?

There are certainly delays, and that’s just part of the process of people taking time around the holidays to be with their families. Simply put, when fewer people are working, applications aren’t processed as quickly.

You have to account for delays due to year-end, holidays or general government slowdowns. For peace of mind, if you file paperwork mid-December, know that it may not be processed until January, as there may not be staff in the office to handle it. This may also be true during summer holiday months and anytime there are government shutdowns. Fewer staff at SSA longer waits.

Can You Still File A Strong And Complete SSD Application Even With Limited Time Left Before Year-End?

Absolutely, you can make a strong claim by gathering the information needed to establish the application and ensure that Social Security has everything they’ll need to process the claim. A skilled SSD attorney can handle all of that efficiently, so there’s no reason to hold off.

How Can A Disability Attorney Help You Prepare And File Your Claim Quickly Before SSA Processing Slows Down?

When you have an attorney who’s familiar with the process, it prevents delays caused by not knowing what paperwork you need to submit or what Social Security needs.

Having an attorney, particularly during the initial stages of the process, can cut down your wait times and ensure the right materials are submitted to support your claim and keep it moving.

If Someone Told You They’re Thinking Of “Waiting Until Next Year” To File, How Would You Respond?

The longer you wait, the longer it will take to get a decision. Delays in filing can affect the amount of back pay that you’re eligible for.

There are other considerations, particularly in an SSDI claim, where if you have been out of work for a long time, you may be facing an expired Date Last Insured, meaning that it may be more challenging to establish disability because there are time constraints for gathering medical documentation and when Social Security can consider information.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on SSD filing in the Carolinas, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (704) 412-4773 today.