Frequently we hear from folks who haven’t yet applied – and are wondering whether they should, because they are hopeful that sometime in the future, they will be able to return to work.
Here is what you should consider:
- Have the medical issues that currently prevent you from working already lasted for twelve months (and therefore you haven’t worked for the last twelve months)?
If so, you can apply and always later change your application to a “closed period,” meaning that you became well enough to resume work eventually but you had a minimum of a year in which you could not work.
- If the answer is no, are the medical issues that currently prevent you from working likely, in the opinion of your treating health care provider, to last for twelve months (and therefore you won’t be able to work for a period of at least a year)?
If so, you can apply and once again either seek ongoing benefits or a closed period if after a year, you become able to work.