WHAT IS SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY?

Social Security Disability (SSDI) is really a type of early Social Security retirement.

What if you become unable to work prior to age 62? You are not yet eligible for Social Security retirement. But you may be able to get cash from Social Security disability insurance (SSDI). This can provide cash assistance for those who are too ill to work and too young to retire.

Many people think of Social Security disability as an additional payment or that it's possible to receive both Social Security disability and retirement benefits at the same time. That is not possible. If you are receiving Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits they will terminate when you reach full retirement age (FRA). Then Social Security retirement takes over.

Basically, when a person becomes disabled before reaching their full retirement age, they are allowed to receive full retirement benefits early. Then, at full retirement age (FRA) the benefit converts to Social Security retirement benefits, usually at the same amount.

Why Apply For SSDI Instead of Early Retirement if You Are Age 62 or older?

• The SSDI (disability) benefit will be larger than early retirement benefits.

• SSDI will also provide you with Medicare insurance after the waiting period expires.

DID YOU KNOW?

You can apply for early retirement benefits (at age 62 or older) and also apply for disability benefits at the same time?

What happens if you are approved for disability benefits (SSDI) while receiving early retirement benefits? When that happens, your larger disability benefit begins and your smaller retirement benefit stops. This continues until you reach your Full Retirement Age (FRA) - when your disability benefits automatically convert to a permanent retirement benefit. From this point you will no longer be subject to Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs). Your Medicare coverage continues.

THE CHALLENGE OF GETTING DISABILITY (SSDI) BENEFITS

SSDI (disability) benefits can be hard to get and it may take a long time to be approved. While early retirement benefits are automatic and can start soon, Social Security disability benefits are more difficult and can take longer to be approved. In fact, many claimants wait up to 2 years, sometimes longer, to get on SSDI.

The assistance of a good disability lawyer/advocate, such as The Forsythe Firm in Huntsville, can be essential in getting your Social Security disability approved. No legal fee is allowed unless you win your claim and recover past due benefits from Social Security. Consultations are free and you may get a free consultation by phone. A good lawyer/advocate knows how to obtain and use objective medical evidence to meet Social Security's demanding standard of proof.