When can you submit a disability insurance application for social security benefits
You should apply for social security benefits as soon as you become injured and anticipate that your injury will prevent you from working for at least a year. You should not apply if you know that you will be working and earning more than the substantial gainful level established by social security. That amount is currently $980 per month. Once you apply, it can take quite a while before you know whether or not you will be awarded benefits. For that reason, you want to apply as soon as you can after becoming injured and unable to work.
You should always adhere to the treatments recommended by your doctor. If you do not, the perception could be that your condition or injury does not affect you enough to prevent you from working. In addition, it is difficult to determine the severity and prognosis of your injury, if you are currently not adhering to the advice given by your physician.