If you become disabled a second time within five years after your previous disability benefits stopped, there is no waiting period before benefits start.  If your claim is approved, you can receive benefits for the first full month of disability.

It can take from three to five months to get a decision on a disability claim, depending on how long it takes to obtain your medical records and any other information the Social Security Administration’s need to decide whether you are disabled.  You can help shorten this time by providing as much information as possible when you apply for benefits. 

For more information about applying for benefits, Social Security suggests that you review the Social Security Administration’s booklet, Disability (Social Security Administration Publication No.05-10029) or you can file a claim online.