The application process is long, paperwork-heavy, and easy to get wrong. Lumeway helps you gather the right documentation, meet every deadline, and know what to do if your claim gets denied.
Ask your doctor to thoroughly document your condition and limitations. Request FMLA leave if you're still working to protect your job. Gather all medical records and treatment history.
Apply for SSDI through Social Security. File for employer short-term disability if applicable. Check whether your state has its own disability or paid leave program.
Check your application status regularly. Continue all medical treatment and keep detailed records. Attend any consultative exams — missing one can result in automatic denial.
If denied, file your appeal within 60 days — don't miss this deadline. Most disability attorneys work on contingency. Your Lumeway dashboard tracks every deadline along the way.
Critical deadlines
Most employer STD policies require filing within 30 days of disability onset. Check your specific policy — missing this deadline can forfeit your benefits.
FMLA protects your job for 12 weeks. After that, your employer is not legally required to hold your position. Plan accordingly and understand your company's policy.
Even if approved, SSDI benefits don't begin until 5 full months after your disability onset date. Plan your finances for this gap.
If your SSDI application is denied, you have exactly 60 days from the denial date to request reconsideration. Missing this means starting the entire application over.
Medicare coverage begins 24 months after your SSDI benefits start (not 24 months after approval — after benefits start, which is after the 5-month waiting period). That's a 29-month gap from onset to Medicare.
There's no single deadline, but consistent, ongoing medical documentation is the single most important factor in SSDI approval. Every gap in treatment weakens your case.
Trusted resources
Apply for SSDI online, check application status, and find your local Social Security office.
ssa.gov/disability →National network of legal advocacy organizations for people with disabilities — free legal help by state.
ndrn.org →Free expert guidance on workplace accommodations for people with disabilities.
askjan.org →Federal screening tool to find all government benefit programs you may qualify for.
benefits.gov →Your disability dashboard
Organized guidance built for exactly this moment — so you can focus on your health while we handle the paperwork.
Your personal dashboard
Track every step in one place
Checklists, in-depth guides, a resource directory, and a glossary of terms — all organized around your specific situation.
See all dashboard features →See it in action
Start with a free conversation — Lumeway walks you through your situation step by step. Then track everything in your personal dashboard: deadlines, documents, activity log, and state-specific resources.
Lumeway helps you navigate disability claims, appeals, and benefits — breaking down every step into something manageable.
Free to start. No credit card required.
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