Applied for Social Security disability at 62 after cardiac issues - how to navigate SSDI vs. early retirement?

Yes, SSDI will pay your full FRA (full retirement age) benefit amount regardless of your age when approved. If you qualify medically, it's definitely worth pursuing over early retirement at 62. I helped my brother with his SSDI claim for heart failure last year - took about 7 months total but he was approved and gets his full retirement amount even though he was only 61. Make sure your medical records clearly document that your cardiac condition prevents you from performing your job duties. Get a detailed letter from your cardiologist specifically stating work limitations.

just take the early retirement now while ur applying for disability. if u get approved for ssdi they'll switch u over to the higher amount and u might get backpay for the difference. thats what my neighbor did.

As someone who successfully navigated this exact situation, I can confirm several important points: 1. SSDI at any age pays your full retirement age amount (not reduced). This was a significant difference for me - about $800 more monthly than early retirement would have been. 2. You CAN apply for early retirement benefits while simultaneously pursuing SSDI. If approved for SSDI, SSA will adjust your benefit to the higher amount. This is called "dual entitlement." 3. The key for cardiac approval is detailed medical documentation. Make sure your records clearly show: - Specific functional limitations (can't lift over X pounds, can't stand for Y hours) - Failed treatments or procedures that didn't fully resolve your condition - Ongoing symptoms despite medication compliance 4. The SSDI process is challenging but manageable with proper documentation. I recommend checking your mySSA account online to make sure your work credits are accurate before starting.

I was in almost the same situation! Heart attack at 61, then bypass surgery. Got SSDI approved and yes it pays my full amount. But let me tell you, don't try to handle this alone. I got disconnected TWELVE TIMES trying to call the SSA office for help with my application.

MY ADVICE - DO NOT JUST TAKE EARLY RETIREMENT!!!! The SSA LOVES when people do this because they save THOUSANDS by paying you the reduced amount forever!!!! My brother just went through this - he had major heart failure and gave up on disability after first denial and took early retirement. HUGE MISTAKE!!!! He's stuck with the lower amount FOR LIFE!

Is anybody here familiar with how the cardiac listings work for disability? My doctor said something about my ejection fraction needing to be below 30% for automatic approval, but mine is at 35%. Does that mean automatic denial?

My husband tried going back to work after his heart attack and collapsed on the job two weeks later. Don't risk your health - if your doctor says high stress is dangerous, listen! His disability was approved pretty quickly after that second incident.

Based on everything here, it looks like your best route is: 1. File for early retirement benefits NOW to get immediate income 2. Simultaneously apply for SSDI with all your medical documentation 3. If SSDI is approved, you'll switch to the higher amount 4. If denied, appeal immediately (most cases are denied initially) 5. Consider having your cardiologist complete a residual functional capacity form specifically addressing your work limitations This approach provides income while you navigate the longer SSDI process. Just don't give up if you get an initial denial - about 65-70% of all initial applications are denied, but many are approved on appeal.

For Medicare with SSDI, there's a 24-month waiting period from your SSDI entitlement date (usually 5 months after onset). However, this is where your age helps - if you're already 65 when the waiting period ends, you'll get Medicare immediately. At 62, you'd likely still have some waiting time. One important note: If you take early retirement while waiting for SSDI, make sure you don't earn over the annual earnings limit (about $21,240 for 2025) or your benefits will be reduced. Once on SSDI, this earnings limit no longer applies, but you'd be subject to SSDI's substantial gainful activity (SGA) limits instead, which are actually more favorable for most people.