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.

Based on your situation, you absolutely should apply for disability benefits! I went through something very similar - took early retirement at 62 due to chronic pain, then realized I could potentially get the full amount through disability. A few key points from my experience: 1. **Time is critical** - You need to apply before reaching full retirement age (probably 66-67 for you). After that, the option disappears forever. 2. **Documentation is everything** - Start gathering ALL your medical records now. For your osteoarthritis, make sure you have imaging showing the bone-on-bone condition, notes about failed treatments (those cortisone shots), and your doctor's assessment of your functional limitations. Don't forget to document your anesthesia complications too - that's medically relevant for why surgery isn't an option. 3. **The 12-month rule** - SSA only looks back 12 months from your application date for backpay, so don't delay if you're considering this. 4. **Combined conditions matter** - Your osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and PTSD will be evaluated together. Even if one condition alone wouldn't qualify you, their combined impact on your ability to work often does. I'd suggest calling SSA directly to confirm the details before applying. If you can't get through (their wait times are brutal), try that Claimyr service someone mentioned - I used it too and it really works. Good luck! Many people successfully make this transition, especially with solid medical documentation like you seem to have.

I went through this exact situation about 18 months ago! Took early retirement at 62 due to severe rheumatoid arthritis, then applied for disability benefits about 4 months later when I realized I could get the full amount. Here's what I learned that might help you: **Medical documentation is crucial** - Make sure your doctors are documenting not just your diagnoses, but specifically how these conditions limit your ability to work. For example, how long you can sit/stand, your grip strength limitations, cognitive issues from pain/fatigue, etc. This is called your "residual functional capacity." **The anesthesia complication is actually important** - That should be documented as it shows surgery isn't a reasonable treatment option for you. SSA sometimes expects you to pursue all reasonable treatments. **Timeline matters** - You mentioned you've been on early retirement for 6 months. Since SSA only gives backpay for 12 months prior to application, and you can't get disability benefits for periods you were already receiving retirement, your potential backpay would likely start from when you first filed for early retirement (if you can prove you were disabled then). **About attorneys** - I initially applied without one and got approved, but it took 11 months. Having all your medical ducks in a row from the start really helped. If you have comprehensive medical records and your doctors support your disability claim, you might not need an attorney for the initial application. The process was stressful but worth it - I now receive about $980 more per month than I was getting with the early retirement reduction. Don't let anyone discourage you from applying!

I'm in a very similar situation and this thread has been incredibly informative! I'm 63 and took early retirement 8 months ago due to degenerative disc disease and chronic pain, but I'm now realizing I might be able to get disability benefits to remove that early retirement penalty. A few things I wanted to add based on my research: **Work while waiting** - You can continue part-time work during the application process as long as you stay under the SGA limit ($1,530/month for 2025). However, SSA will look at your work activity as evidence of your capabilities, so document everything about how difficult those work days are for you. **Medical evidence timeline** - Make sure you have recent medical evidence (within the last year) that supports your disability claim. Even if you have years of documentation, they'll want to see current status of your conditions. **Functional limitations** - From what I've learned, SSA cares more about what you CAN'T do than what conditions you have. So when you see your doctors, make sure they're documenting things like: difficulty lifting/carrying, problems with prolonged sitting or standing, concentration issues, attendance problems due to flare-ups, etc. **Pain management records** - Keep detailed records of all treatments you've tried and failed. This shows you've made good faith efforts to manage your conditions. The fact that you have multiple conditions (osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, PTSD) that can be evaluated together really strengthens your case. I'm planning to apply next month after reading everyone's experiences here. Good luck to both of us!