How bad should my condition be before I file for disability in California?   How bad should your condition be and when should you file for disability? You should consider doing this as soon as your condition does one of the following: 1. prevents you from working or 2. significantly limits your ability to work, to the extent that you cannot earn enough to gainfully support yourself or 3. significantly limits your ability to work and earn enough to support yourself, to the extent that you may not be able to maintain continued employment. Many claimants who eventually file for disability benefits in California unfortunately put off the decision to file for far too long. Why do they do this? The answer is certainly different in many situations. However, without a doubt, a certain percentage of claimants put themselves at a disadvantage by waiting too long. The following pages address the topic of when to file and severity of conditions: 1. When should you File for Disability? Excerpt: "Should you file for disability? When should you do it? These are two very important questions for individuals who have significant and limiting impairments (mental or physical). Answer: You should consider filing for disability if your medical condition interferes with your ability to perform work activity. This includes the jobs you have done in the past and, potentially, other forms of work for which your job skills, training, and education may suit you. 2. How severe must your condition be to be awarded Social Security Disability or SSI? Excerpt: "To be awarded Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability, you must have a condition, or combination of conditions, that have prevented you from working for twelve continous months, or that you expect to prevent you from performing any kind of substantial and gainful work activity for twelve continuous months." 3. What makes you disabled for SSD or SSI? Excerpt: "If you retain the ability to work but only at a level that is below the SGA earnings limit that is in effect for a given year, then you may be considered disabled by the social security administration." About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? 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