When should I apply for Social Security Disability?

To get SSDI or SSI you must be out of work for at least 1 year or expected to be out of work for a year or more. So if you want to apply before waiting a year you should try and get a letter from your doctor that says he or she feels you will be unable to work for at least a year or more. On the other hand many people for different reasons don't apply as soon as they can. This can be a mistake because you can only get paid for the months 1 year prior to your application in a SSDI case. In SSI you can only get paid from your date of application. So in my opinion apply as soon as you can.