1 Don't respond to unwanted calls, the FTC says --even if the call says you should press a number to opt-out of future messages. 2  All that will do is verify to the spammer or scammer that your number is real. 3  Similarly, don't respond to unwanted text messages--or click on any links.
(This maximum gets you to 12 months before your application date, plus five months for the waiting period, so your earliest your effective onset date can be is 17 months before the application date.) In this case, the earliest that you can become eligible for Medicare is one year after you apply for Social Security disability.
Waiting for Disability Benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has instituted a five month waiting period to ensure that benefits are not paid to people with short-term disabilities. The SSA will award disability benefits only for total disability and only after you have shown that you have been disabled for at least five complete calendar months. Benefits will be paid on the sixth full month after the onset of disability. You will not be entitled to any benefits during the waiting period.