Theresa
YES - you can. File now because it first takes six months to get your retro check - (you get that six months' of supplemental income back pay first but it takes six months to process you. So, get the ball rolling now. Afterward, once you've beeen on supplemental income, your full social security disability income will kick in and it's usually a little over double your supplemental income was. FILE NOW to start the clock rolling on that six month (mandatory) wait. Let me know if I can help you. Hint: Word of advice: include the "dabilitating depression that accompanies the diabilitating pain and fatigue of LUPUS" and you're a sure shot at a SSDI award. Best of luck! Theresa.