Can I apply for SSDI after already receiving Social Security retirement benefits at 62?

Yes, you can apply for SSDI even though you're already receiving retirement benefits. This is called "disability insurance benefits" rather than switching from retirement to disability. If approved, they'll adjust your benefit amount to what you would receive at full retirement age (removing the early filing reduction). Based on what you're describing, you should definitely apply. The medical documentation of your osteoarthritis showing bone-on-bone condition, failed treatments, and your other conditions create a strong case. Make sure you have thorough medical documentation of ALL your conditions. Regarding an attorney - yes, it can be helpful, but not necessary for the initial application. My suggestion is to file your initial application yourself, and if denied (many first applications are), then hire an attorney for the appeal process. Most disability attorneys work on contingency (taking a percentage of your backpay if you win).

i went thru this last year. its called disability insurance benefits when ur already on retirement. they dont make it clear anywhere on ssa website. u def need to apply ASAP bc they only look back 12 mo from ur application date for backpay!!

I successfully did exactly this in 2023. I took early retirement at 62 then applied for SSDI about 8 months later when my medical conditions worsened. If approved, they will increase your monthly payment to remove the reduction penalty AND potentially give you some backpay (though it's limited to 12 months before application date). Here's something important: You MUST apply before you reach your Full Retirement Age (66+). After that, you can't switch. I tried calling SSA for weeks to ask questions about this before applying and couldn't get through - wait times were 2+ hours when I tried. I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an SSA agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. Made a huge difference in getting accurate information directly from SSA before I applied.

To address your question about attorneys: While they're not required for initial applications, in cases like yours with multiple medical conditions (osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, PTSD), an attorney can significantly improve your chances of approval at the initial stage. The disability determination process evaluates your "Residual Functional Capacity" - what you can still do despite your conditions. An experienced attorney helps frame your limitations in terms SSA recognizes. They also know how to properly document your inability to perform even sedentary work, which is critical in SSDI cases. The attorney can coordinate with your doctors to ensure medical records properly document your functional limitations. Most important: You need to apply BEFORE reaching your Full Retirement Age (likely 66-67 for your birth year). After that point, you permanently lose the option to switch to disability benefits.

Don't waste your time applying for SSDI!!! I went through this exact same situation and they DENIED me even though i couldnt even walk without a walker. TOTAL SCAM. They just want to keep paying you the lower amount and hope you give up!!!

my mom did this back in 2019 & they approved her! but it took almost a year to get approved so dont get discouraged if it takes time. she had bad arthritis too + other stuff & she got the higher amount + some backpay. she didn't use a lawyer for the first application but was ready to get one if denied. documentation is super important make sure your docs are writing down EVERYTHING about your limitations

the best advice i can give u is DOCUMENT EVERYTHING!!! every appt, every treatment that didnt work, keep a daily journal of pain levels and what u cant do. i got denied first time bcuz i didnt have enough evidence of how bad things were day to day. second time i had a big folder of everything and got approved

One more critical point: If you're still working part-time, be aware of the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for 2025, which is $1,530 per month. If you earn more than this amount, SSA may determine you're not disabled regardless of your medical condition. Many people don't realize that working even part-time can disqualify them from SSDI if they exceed the SGA limit. Given your description of only working 2-3 days per week, you might be under this limit, but it's something to verify before applying.

i TOTALLY relate to ur hesitation about surgery!! i have same fear of anesthesia. one thing to consider tho is that SSA might eventually push you to get the hip replacements as part of "following prescribed treatment" to maintain benefits. my neighbor went thru this with her back - they questioned why she wouldnt get surgery that could "fix" her. just something to be prepared for in the disability review process. make sure ur doctor documents ur prior bad reaction to anesthesia!!!!

To address your original question directly: You won't receive "extra" money on top of your retirement. Instead, if approved for disability, your benefit will increase to remove the early retirement reduction penalty. Here's how it works: 1. You took retirement at 62, which reduced your benefit by approximately 30% from your full retirement age amount 2. If approved for SSDI, they'll adjust your payment to what you would receive at full retirement age 3. When you reach full retirement age, your benefit will automatically convert to retirement benefits (same amount) This is why it's actually called "disability insurance benefits" rather than SSDI when you're already receiving retirement. The maximum retroactive benefits would be 12 months prior to application (or your retirement start date if that's more recent).

Regarding your medical conditions: The SSA evaluates the combined impact of all your conditions. This is important in your case with osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and PTSD. While one condition might not qualify you, their combined effect on your ability to work often does. For your PTSD documentation, make sure you're seeing a mental health professional regularly who can document how it affects your concentration, ability to handle workplace stress, and interact with others. These functional limitations, when combined with your physical limitations, strengthen your case significantly. Also, at 62, you benefit from special rules that make it easier to qualify for disability as you approach retirement age. The Medical-Vocational Guidelines (the "Grid Rules") are more favorable for applicants over 55, especially with physical limitations that prevent past work.