I’m Old Enough To Get Retirement From SSA – Should I Just Do That Instead Of Filing for Disability?

As you may know, if you have paid enough into the Social Security system you are eligible to receive early retirement when you turn 62. Just because you elect to take your retirement at that point does not mean that you cannot also file for disability benefits. In fact, you can file for disability up until the point that you reach your Full Retirement Age (FRA); however there is likely no benefit to filing for disability if your disability begins within 6 months of your FRA. FRA is somewhere between age 66 and age 67, depending on your birth year. Once you reach full retirement age you transition over to retirement benefits instead of receiving disability benefits.

So, should you file for both? It depends on your financial situation, but taking early retirement does provide some income protection for you and your family while you wait for the disability benefits to be approved. Plus, if the disability benefits are approved, you will receive a higher benefit amount each month than you would just through the early retirement program.

An added benefit for those who are under age 65 is early access to Medicare.

We can talk this through to help you make the best decision for your situation. Call me at (704) 412-4773.