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wait hold up - ur saying u can collect SSDI and then switch to regular SS later?? does that mean u get two checks?? i'm confused how that works
No, you don't get two checks. When you reach Full Retirement Age (FRA), your SSDI benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits, usually at the exact same amount. It's just an administrative change on SSA's end - your benefit amount typically stays the same and you continue getting one monthly payment. The advantage is that taking SSDI early (if you qualify) doesn't reduce your benefit amount like taking early retirement would. So you avoid the early filing reduction that would normally apply if you took retirement benefits before your FRA.
Something nobody's mentioned yet: if you have enough work credits and are approved for SSDI, you'll automatically qualify for Medicare after 24 months of receiving SSDI benefits, regardless of your age. This could be really important if you're losing employer health insurance and aren't yet 65. In my case, this was almost as valuable as the SSDI payments themselves. Also, have you looked into whether your employer's long-term disability insurance might cover you? Many people don't realize they have LTD through their job that could help bridge the gap while waiting for SSDI approval (which can take many months).
The Medicare info is SO important - thank you! I was actually really worried about health insurance between retirement and 65. I hadn't even thought about checking my employer's LTD policy. I'll look into that right away. The early retirement package includes 18 months of subsidized COBRA, but after that I'd be on my own until Medicare eligibility.
my cousin got ssi then ssdi later but he did it himself no lawyer. its possible just gotta fill out all the papers right and have good medical stuff.
Update: I wanted to thank everyone for their advice! I was able to get through to SSA using Claimyr (thanks for that tip!) and confirmed my SSDI benefit would be $972/month - much higher than my current SSI. The agent also explained that because I have more work credits now than when I first applied, my case might be stronger. I'm going to apply on my own first as suggested, and then look for an attorney for the appeal if needed. I'll specifically mention the benefit amount difference when talking to attorneys. Really appreciate all your help!
YOU AREN'T STUPID AT ALL!!! The system is DESIGNED to be confusing! I worked for 40 years and when I went to apply the SS rep told me things I'd NEVER heard before. It's like they want us to make mistakes so they can pay out less in benefits.
One approach that might help is to focus only on terms relevant to your specific situation. It sounds like you're nearing retirement age, so terminology about disability determination or childhood benefits probably isn't essential for you right now. Focus first on understanding: 1. The difference between retirement age options (62, FRA, 70) 2. How spousal benefits work (if applicable) 3. How earnings might affect your benefits if you continue working Don't try to become an expert on every aspect of the system. Even Social Security employees specialize in different areas because no one can master it all. Learn what you need for your specific situation, then expand your knowledge gradually.
I herd that Oregon PERS is different from some other states because Oregon never opted out of Social Security completley. Is that right? Some of my Oregon freinds pay into both systems I think??
That's partially correct. Oregon has multiple tiers in their PERS system, and some Oregon public employees are covered by Social Security while others aren't. It depends on when they were hired and what government entity they work for. Some local governments in Oregon have opted to participate in Social Security, while others haven't. If someone paid into both systems throughout their career, the WEP impact would be different than for someone who switched between covered and non-covered employment.
I thought Biden already signed something about this! Now I'm confused. My brother who retired from teaching in Illinois got a letter about his SS benefits going up but maybe that was just the regular COLA?
Your brother likely received notification about the 2023 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), which was 8.7% - one of the largest in decades due to inflation. This increase applies to all Social Security recipients. It wasn't specific to government employees and wasn't related to any changes in the WEP or GPO provisions. The 2024 COLA will be 3.2%, and those notices usually go out in December.
Zara Rashid
Make sure u bring id also they asked me for 2 forms of id when i went!!
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Anastasia Fedorov
•Thanks for the reminder! I'll definitely bring my driver's license and passport just to be safe.
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Mateo Hernandez
Did anyone else notice how complicated our system is?! Why should someone have to jump through all these hoops just to get benefits they're entitled to? Two deceased ex-spouses, early vs. full retirement age rules, documentation requirements... No wonder people give up or miss out on benefits they deserve. The whole system needs an overhaul!
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NebulaNova
•I agree it's complicated, but to be fair, this is a pretty unique situation. Most people don't have multiple deceased ex-spouses with different benefit amounts. The complexity comes from trying to make the system fair for all these different scenarios.
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