Can I apply for SSDI while taking early retirement package with vision impairment? Impact on future SS benefits?

Yes, you can definitely apply for SSDI while also accepting an early retirement package from your employer. These are completely separate programs and decisions. The key factor for SSDI is whether your medical condition prevents you from doing substantial gainful activity (SGA), which in 2025 means earning more than about $1,550 per month. Your vision impairment sounds like it could qualify if it prevents you from doing your past work AND any other type of work. You'll need medical documentation showing the severity and progression of your condition. As for your future retirement benefits, SSDI won't reduce them. In fact, when you reach Full Retirement Age (FRA), SSDI automatically converts to regular retirement benefits at the same amount. The advantage of SSDI is getting that higher amount now instead of taking reduced early retirement benefits. One thing to keep in mind: SSDI applications based on vision impairments can be challenging. Make sure you have detailed medical records showing how your condition limits your ability to work. The SSA Blue Book has specific criteria for vision disorders under Section 2.02.

my mom tried to get SSDI for her vision problems and they denied her 3 TIMES!! she could barely see anything by the end but they kept saying she could do "some kind of work" which was ridiculous. make sure u get a lawyer right away don't waste time like we did. good luck!!

I went through a similar situation last year with hearing loss instead of vision problems. Here's what I learned: 1. You CAN apply for SSDI while accepting an employer retirement package. The SSA doesn't care about that - they only care if your medical condition prevents you from working. 2. There's no advantage to waiting until after you leave your job. In fact, having work records showing accommodations or performance issues related to your vision can HELP your case. 3. Your SSDI benefit amount is calculated using the same formula as retirement benefits, but frozen at the time you become disabled. This can actually work in your favor. 4. When you reach your Full Retirement Age, SSDI automatically converts to retirement benefits at the same amount - you don't need to do anything. My biggest advice is to start collecting all your medical records NOW. I had to track down 5+ years of audiology reports and it took forever. Get detailed statements from your ophthalmologist about your functional limitations - specifically how they impact your ability to work. Good luck!

Ur company retirement package has nothing to do with SSDI! Completely separate things. I took early retirement from my job at 58 and got SSDI 6 months later for a completely different condition. SSA doesn't care about ur company pension or anything

I've been dealing with the SSA for MONTHS trying to get my disability claim processed. Good luck even getting someone on the phone - I've spent literally HOURS on hold only to get disconnected! Then when I finally did reach someone, they had no idea what was happening with my claim! Sincerely hope your experience is better than mine has been. The whole system is BROKEN.

To address your specific question about applying while still employed: You can actually apply for SSDI while you're still working, but your current earnings can't exceed the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit mentioned earlier. If your vision impairment is forcing you to reduce hours or affecting your job performance, and this is documented, it can sometimes strengthen your case. The SSA will look at whether you're working at full capacity or if you have work limitations due to your condition. Regarding your company's early retirement package - this is completely separate from SSDI eligibility. The retirement package is essentially severance/compensation from your employer, while SSDI is based solely on your medical inability to work and your work credits through Social Security tax contributions. One strategy some people use is to gradually reduce their hours (if possible) before applying for SSDI, which can help document the progression of their condition's impact on work ability.

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

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).