Can I apply for regular Social Security while waiting for SSDI approval? Urgent income need
I've been dealing with severe mobility issues since February and doctors still haven't pinned down an exact diagnosis. My legs just give out without warning and I can't walk reliably anymore. Had to stop working at my warehouse job in March and my short-term disability through work just ran out last week. I'm 62 and absolutely need income soon as my savings are almost gone. The SSA website is so confusing! From what I understand, I could technically apply for early retirement benefits now while also starting a separate SSDI application? I've heard SSDI can take 6+ months or even years to get approved, and I literally can't wait that long financially. Can someone explain if this is actually possible? Will taking early retirement benefits now mess up my disability application? Will I get less money overall if I do both? The local SS office has a 3-week wait for appointments and I'm getting desperate.
22 comments
Join the conversation
Mia Rodriguez
Yes, you can absolutely apply for retirement benefits at 62 while simultaneously applying for SSDI. This is called a 'concurrent claim' and many people do this exact thing because of the lengthy SSDI process. Here's what happens: 1. You'll get your retirement benefits fairly quickly (usually within 1-2 months of approval) 2. If your SSDI claim is eventually approved, they'll adjust your payment to the higher disability amount retroactively 3. They'll also remove the early retirement reduction when your SSDI is approved Don't delay - get that retirement application in ASAP for income, then focus on the disability claim. Make sure to clearly state in both applications that you're filing for both programs.
0 coins
Mason Davis
•Thank you SO MUCH for this clear explanation. I was worried that starting one would somehow cancel out the other. Do I need to submit both applications separately? And does the SSDI application need special medical documentation that I should be gathering now?
0 coins
Jacob Lewis
im in almost same boat. started SS at 62 last year then got realy sick in november. applied for dissability in december and still waiting!! they keep asking for more medical records. make sure u have ALL ur doctors names and contact info ready and dates of all treatments. the forms take FOREVER to fill out.
0 coins
Mason Davis
•Thanks for the heads up about the paperwork. Did you have to go to the SSA office in person to start your SSDI application after already getting regular benefits? I'm worried about transportation since I can barely walk right now.
0 coins
Jacob Lewis
•no didnt have to go in person. did it all online but took like 2 hours to finish all the questions!! have someone help u if ur tired easy. they called me 3 weeks later to verify some stuff.
0 coins
Amelia Martinez
CAREFUL!!! What nobody tells you is that if you take regular retirement at 62 while waiting on SSDI, you're PERMANENTLY locked into a reduced payment even if the disability gets approved!!! My brother-in-law did this and lost almost $400/month for life because SSA only adjusted his payment UP to the disability amount but kept the reduction percentage from filing early!!! The system is DESIGNED to confuse people and pay out less. Don't trust anything without getting it in writing!
0 coins
Mia Rodriguez
•This is actually incorrect information. When SSDI is approved, SSA will remove the early retirement reduction penalty if disability onset date is before the retirement application. The reduction is eliminated because disability benefits are not reduced for age. The rules specifically protect people in this exact situation.
0 coins
Ethan Clark
I struggled to reach SSA for months about this exact situation last year. Their hold times are ridiculous - I'd be on hold for 3+ hours only to get disconnected. I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual agent in under 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU The agent confirmed everything the first commenter said - you can file for both and when SSDI is approved, they adjust everything. I highly recommend getting official confirmation from SSA directly so you know exactly where you stand.
0 coins
Mason Davis
•This is incredibly helpful, thank you! I'll check out that service. I've been trying to get through for days without luck. Having a direct conversation with SSA would really put my mind at ease before I submit anything.
0 coins
Mila Walker
Make sure you document EVERYTHING about your condition. I mean EVERYTHING. The date symptoms started, every doctor visit, medication changes, mobility limitations, daily activities you can't do anymore. They will try to deny you the first time no matter what!!!! My first application was denied even though I literally couldn't walk across a room without falling! Had to appeal twice before getting approved.
0 coins
Logan Scott
•yes this!! my cousin got denied 3 times for disability even with multiple sclerosis! its crazy how they expect people to survive with no income while fighting the system for years.
0 coins
Chloe Green
Here's the official process for your situation: 1. File for reduced retirement benefits now at age 62 2. Simultaneously file for SSDI with onset date clearly established (February/March 2025) 3. If SSDI is approved, you'll receive: - The difference between retirement and disability amounts retroactively - Removal of the early retirement reduction going forward - Full disability payment (averages about 40% higher than reduced retirement) I worked as a benefits counselor and saw this scenario frequently. The key is making sure your onset date is properly documented before your retirement application date. Get a statement from your doctor confirming your inability to work since at least March.
0 coins
Mason Davis
•Thank you for this detailed breakdown! Should I submit both applications at the same time, or start with retirement first since it processes faster? And do I need to specifically mention somewhere that I'm doing both?
0 coins
Chloe Green
•You can do both simultaneously, but if you're in urgent need of income, I'd suggest starting the retirement application first since it typically processes in 2-4 weeks versus months for disability. There's a specific question on both applications asking if you're filing for other benefits - make sure to mark "yes" and specify which ones. This creates the link between the applications in their system.
0 coins
Logan Scott
my neighbor just went thru this! she said make sure you check the box for DIRE NEED on your disability application if your running out of money. it might speed things up a little bit. also apply for SSI at the same time because sometimes you can get that while waiting for SSDI decision.
0 coins
Mia Rodriguez
•This is good advice about the dire need designation, but I should clarify that if OP is eligible for retirement benefits, they likely won't qualify for SSI due to income limits. SSI has very strict income and resource limits ($2000 in assets for individuals). The retirement benefits would count as income that would exceed SSI limits in most cases.
0 coins
Lucas Adams
I had a stroke last year and did exactly what you're asking about. Applied for retirement at 63 while also starting SSDI process. The retirement money started coming within 6 weeks which was a lifesaver. Then 5 months later my disability was approved (I was lucky it was quick). They adjusted everything automatically and I even got some back pay. My advice - get a disability advocate to help with the SSDI part. The paperwork is INSANE when you're already dealing with health issues.
0 coins
Mason Davis
•That's reassuring to hear it worked out for you. Did you use a lawyer or one of those disability advocacy services? I've seen ads for both but wasn't sure if they're worth it or just take a big chunk of your backpay.
0 coins
Lucas Adams
•I used a disability advocate service after my initial application was denied. They took 25% of my backpay, but honestly, they handled everything when I was too sick to deal with it. Worth every penny in my situation. Some people do fine on their own though, especially if your medical evidence is very clear.
0 coins
Harper Hill
When I was helping my mom with this same situation last year, we had to verify several things with Social Security directly. One thing no one's mentioned yet is that your established onset date (EOD) for disability can affect your Medicare eligibility date. If you're applying for disability, you'll want to start gathering all of your medical records NOW - especially anything that documents when your condition began preventing you from working. Also, while you can definitely apply for both benefits simultaneously, there's a 5-month waiting period for disability benefits from your established onset date. This is another reason many people take retirement first - so they have income during this mandatory waiting period.
0 coins
Mason Davis
•I didn't even think about the Medicare implications. I've been on my employer's health insurance but that ends next month with COBRA being way too expensive. Does Medicare start immediately if SSDI is approved?
0 coins
Harper Hill
•Medicare typically begins 24 months after your SSDI entitlement date (which is 5 months after your established onset date). However, if you're facing a gap in coverage, you should immediately look into your state's Medicaid program or the ACA marketplace for interim coverage. Some states have special programs for people waiting for Medicare eligibility.
0 coins