Generally speaking, you should apply as soon as possible. 

There is nothing wrong with trying to see if you can still work. However, many people wait until they no longer have medical health insurance and have exhausted their savings before applying for Social Security disability benefits. 

This means they are at their limit before even starting what may be a 24 month process.

If you wait to apply:

• You may have to cut back on how often you see your doctors.
• You may have to switch to a new doctor who does not know you as well. 
• You may not be able to afford your medications.
• You may no longer afford to see your specialist.
• Your former doctors may be less willing to provide opinions about your disability after you stop being their patient. This is particularly true if the doctor has not seen you for 6 to 12 months.
• You may not be able to pay your expenses, be forced into foreclosure or even bankruptcy while you wait for your disability case to be decided.

Last updated on October 28, 2011 by stasiukfirm