Just overheard a lawyer say something about waiting too long to apply

I was sitting in a waiting room last week near a disability lawyer's office in Fresno and I heard him tell someone that waiting even six months after your condition gets worse can mess up your whole case. He said the SSA looks at when you first could have filed, not when you actually did, so delays can cost you back pay. I didn't realize that the date you apply isn't just about getting help faster, it changes how much money you might get. The guy he was talking to had waited almost a year after his doctor said he couldn't work anymore... and the lawyer said he basically lost out on a bunch of benefits. Made me wonder how many people just sit on it because they think they should tough it out or wait for a miracle. Has anyone else run into this issue with their own lawyer? What did they say about timing?

3 comments

3 Comments

james_campbell1217d ago

My lawyer said file the day after you stop working, even one month of delay can cost you thousands.

robertb4718d ago

That "could have filed" part really opened my eyes, I used to think any time was fine.

diana_black17d ago

Hey @robertb47, am I the only one whose lawyer laughed when I asked if "maybe tomorrow" counts as waiting?