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​If a disability application gets approved at the initial level you can expect your first check about eight months after you applied. If it does not get approved at the initial level then it could take up to three years to get approved and paid.  ​

​For most this poses a real problem.  The good news is there are options.  We have collected these 9 strategies others have used to help survive the wait.  I am in hopes it makes a difference.

​                                             Tips from others who have survived the wait!

1. Win Your Case Quickly
Avoid the mistakes that cause delays and maximize your chances of winning in the shortest amount of time by taking all the lessons and interviewing attorneys. 

2. Group Disability Insurance
If you have been employed prior to filing, make certain you investigate your company’s short-term and long-term insurance policies.  Often, long-term disability policies through work can be a big help in bridging the gap until you win your SSDI case.

3. State Disability
A few states, including California, Hawaii, Rhode Island, New Jersey and New York, offer state disability. If you don't have private or employer-provided disability insurance benefits, you may be covered by your state's program.  

Find out if you have been paying into your state's disability insurance program through automatic payroll deductions if you elected it instead of (or in addition to) the disability insurance benefits offered by your employer. 

Typically, state disability insurance benefits are administered by the same agency that administers unemployment insurance (or a division of the same). In fact, you might be covered by state disability insurance even if you are unemployed when your disability starts. To find out if your state offers such a program (and vocational rehabilitation too), start by contacting your state's unemployment office.

4. Back Benefits and Loans
I'm sure this is a scary thought, but keep in mind that if you have assets you can leverage while waiting, you can pay back the loan with the back benefit check you receive. 

Members have been able to remove money from a 401(k) plan subject to a 10% penalty if you are under 59 1/2. This strategy may also work for a company’s pension plan. Please note these are ideas that have worked for others; it is always advisable to consult a tax professional about your individual needs.

The very general rule on your retroactive benefits (back benefits)

is that you accumulate back benefits from the time you became disabled until you win your case... 

So, it is common for members to accumulate and receive a significant check that can pay back their loan.

​5. SSI Medicare medicaid
First watch this video then follow the directions below.

Video: https://youtu.be/DmCvQUB-vOw

To qualify one would need to meet the medical conditions qualifications proving that they can not work and  have assets less than $3,000 (not including a house or car).  These checks can be up to $772.00 plus medicaid and would be replaced by SSDI and medicare when approved for SSDI.

If your think this would be a fit for you follow these steps to get started.

1. Go to your Local Social Security office. It is best to pick a day the SSA office is not busy, commonly Wednesday - Friday.

B. To find your local office use this tool:  https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp

C. Bring picture ID and confirmation of our SSDI application.

2. What to say:

I would like to apply for SSI benefits (also known as Title XVI benefits) because I have applied for Social Security Disability Benefits and it is taking so long to get approved that I am in dire need of the funds to survive.

3. Get a stamped receipt confirming you filed for Title XVI benefits

6. Housing
A. Rent or sell your home, move in with family or friends, live in an RV, or house sit.

B.  Rent out a room in your home.  Watch the how to home share video on this page to learn more.  

C.  Leverage your home: If you have equity in your home, borrow an amount to get you through.

7. Barter, reduce or eliminate expenses
Example: To save money on food, volunteer at a store, garden, can for others, or shop for others.

8. Social Security Early Retirement

9. Working While Qualifying
Although Social Security (SSA) allows you to apply for disability if your monthly earnings are less than $1,220.00, even representatives have a difficult time getting these approved.  The main reason for this is SSA can argue that if you can work part-time, you may be able to work full-time at some job.

Therefore, my advice is not to work and concentrate on winning your case ASAP.  Then, you can keep your benefits when you resume working part-time once you are approved.   For many, it’s financially beneficial to win quickly rather than to work, get denied, and have it take years to get approved.

You may find it comforting to know that once you are approved for SSDI benefits, you can earn money and keep your benefits.  I will be teaching you all about this in future lessons.

For now, you can start educating yourself about ALL your possible post-approval career paths to make plans for crafting the next phase of your life.​