Can I collect Social Security retirement at 62 while my SSDI application is pending?

Yes, you can absolutely apply for retirement benefits while your SSDI application is pending. Here's what you need to know: - You can apply for retirement benefits up to 4 months before you want them to begin, so you should apply in September if you want payments to start right after your January birthday - If your SSDI is later approved, SSA will pay you the difference between your reduced retirement benefit and the higher SSDI amount retroactively to your disability onset date - If denied SSDI, you can continue receiving retirement benefits while appealing, but remember those retirement benefits are permanently reduced (approximately 30% less than waiting until your Full Retirement Age) - If approved for SSDI after taking early retirement, your benefit will be adjusted to remove the early retirement reduction I went through this exact situation two years ago. The only downside is if your SSDI is ultimately denied after all appeals, you're stuck with the reduced retirement benefit for life.

my cousin did this exact same thing last year. she got her retirement while waiting on disability. took like 2 years but she finally got approved for SSDI and got a nice backpay check too

WHEN YOU APPLY FOR RETIREMENT MAKE SURE YOU TELL THEM YOU HAVE A DISABILITY CLAIM PENDING!!!! I didnt and it caused all sorts of problems. The two systems dont always talk to each other and if they dont know about both claims it creates a mess. Also print EVERYTHING and keep copies of EVERYTHING you submit!!!!

Just wanted to add that you should apply for retirement benefits about 3 months before your birthday to make sure everything is processed in time. The important thing to know is that while you can receive retirement benefits during your SSDI determination process, there are some financial considerations: 1. Taking retirement at 62 means approximately a 30% permanent reduction from your Full Retirement Age (FRA) amount 2. If you're later approved for SSDI, your benefit will be adjusted to the higher amount (without the early retirement reduction) 3. The backpay calculation can get complicated depending on your onset date Also, if you're still working at all while applying for retirement, make sure you understand the earnings limit ($22,320 for 2025 if under FRA, with $1 reduction for every $2 earned above that limit).

This whole system is designed to make you give up! My husband waited 3 years for SSDI and we almost lost our house. Even with a lawyer it takes forever. The retirement at 62 is better than nothing but they really punish you for taking it early. Its all so frustrating.

One detail that hasn't been mentioned yet - the relationship between your SSDI onset date and your retirement application matters. If your established onset date for disability is before you apply for retirement benefits, and you eventually win your SSDI case, SSA will essentially treat it as if you never filed for early retirement. You'll receive the full SSDI amount without the early filing reduction. However, if your onset date is determined to be after you began receiving retirement benefits, the rules get more complex. In that scenario, you might receive a partial reduction. Regarding timing - you can file for retirement benefits up to 4 months before your 62nd birthday, so mid-September would be appropriate for a January 22nd birthday if you want benefits to begin as soon as possible.

Thank you all for the responses! I called SSA three times this week trying to get this same information and couldn't get through to anyone. The hold times were ridiculous - over 2 hours each time before I had to hang up for other appointments.

I want to clarify something important that might not be obvious: If you apply for retirement at 62 and later get approved for SSDI, your monthly benefit amount will be adjusted to the higher SSDI rate without the early retirement reduction. However, this adjustment is not automatic - you need to request it specifically when your SSDI is approved. Also, if you've already started receiving retirement benefits, the application process for SSDI is slightly different. You'll need to file what's called a "disability application on an existing record" rather than a brand new SSDI claim. Your attorney should know this, but it's good for you to be aware as well.

i heard somewhere that if u apply 4 both and get approved for disability they take back all ur retirement money and then give u the disability backpay but it can take months with no income is that true???

I went through a similar situation about 5 years ago and wanted to share some practical tips that helped me navigate this process: First, definitely apply for retirement benefits in September for your January birthday - don't wait. The processing can take 6-8 weeks even for straightforward cases. Second, when you go to apply for retirement, bring documentation about your pending SSDI case including your attorney's contact information. This helps SSA coordinate between the two systems from the beginning. Third, consider setting up a my Social Security account online if you haven't already. It makes tracking both applications much easier and you can see payment histories, benefit estimates, etc. One thing that really helped me was keeping a detailed log of all my interactions with SSA - dates, times, representative names, what was discussed. When issues came up later (and they did), having that documentation was invaluable. Also, your attorney should be able to help coordinate with SSA if any problems arise with the dual applications. Don't hesitate to loop them in if you run into bureaucratic snags. The financial stress is real, but taking early retirement while waiting for SSDI is a completely legitimate strategy. You're not gaming the system - you're using the safety net as it was designed. Good luck with everything!

I'm a Social Security claims specialist and wanted to add a few technical points that might help clarify the process: When you file for retirement benefits while your SSDI is pending, SSA creates what's called a "dual entitlement" situation. This means you're potentially eligible for both programs, and they'll automatically pay you whichever amount is higher. The key thing to understand is that SSDI benefits are calculated based on your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) - essentially what you'd get at Full Retirement Age. So if your SSDI gets approved, you'll receive that full amount regardless of having filed early for retirement. For timing, I'd actually recommend calling SSA in late August or early September to schedule your retirement application appointment. While you can apply online, having a phone or in-person appointment ensures they properly note your pending SSDI case and can answer any questions about how the two applications will interact. One last tip: if you're approved for SSDI retroactively, the backpay calculation includes adjusting for the difference between your reduced retirement payments and the full SSDI amount back to your established onset date. This can result in a substantial lump sum payment. Your attorney should be familiar with this process, but don't hesitate to ask them to coordinate with SSA if any issues arise during the retirement application process.

I just wanted to add one more important consideration that hasn't been mentioned yet - make sure you understand how Medicare eligibility works in your situation. Since you're applying for retirement at 62, you won't be eligible for Medicare until 65. However, if you get approved for SSDI, you become eligible for Medicare after a 24-month waiting period from your disability onset date. Given that your disability started in June 2023, if you're approved for SSDI, you'd potentially become Medicare eligible around June 2025. This could be significant for your healthcare planning, especially since you mentioned working with a disability attorney, which suggests ongoing medical issues. Also, don't forget that once you start receiving retirement benefits, you'll get annual statements showing your benefit amount and any adjustments. Keep these for your records - they're helpful if you need to reference your payment history later, especially if SSDI approval creates changes to your benefits. The waiting and uncertainty is incredibly stressful, but you're making smart moves by exploring all your options and getting the income you need while your SSDI case is pending.

I want to emphasize something that might give you additional peace of mind - you're absolutely making the right decision to pursue both options simultaneously. I work in benefits advocacy and see this situation frequently. One practical tip that hasn't been mentioned: when you apply for retirement benefits, ask the SSA representative to add a note in your file about your pending SSDI case and your attorney's contact information. This creates a paper trail that can prevent processing delays later. Also, regarding the 30% reduction everyone mentioned - remember that's only permanent if your SSDI claim is ultimately unsuccessful after all appeals. Given that you're working with an attorney and have a June 2023 onset date, you have a reasonable chance of approval, especially if your case reaches the hearing level. The financial stress is overwhelming, I know, but taking early retirement while your SSDI is pending is exactly what the system is designed to allow. You're not taking anything you're not entitled to - you've earned these benefits through years of work and contributions. Stay strong through this process. The bureaucracy is frustrating, but you're taking all the right steps to protect your financial stability while fighting for the full benefits you deserve.

I've been following this thread and wanted to add something that might help with the timing aspect. Since you mentioned your birthday is January 22nd, you'll want to be strategic about when exactly your benefits begin. Social Security pays benefits the month after they're due, so if you want your first payment in February 2025 (for January eligibility), make sure to specify that your benefits should begin in January when you apply. If you accidentally say February, your first payment won't come until March. Also, I'd recommend applying online first at ssa.gov and then calling to confirm they noted your pending SSDI case. The online application is often faster than waiting for a phone appointment, but the follow-up call ensures everything is coordinated properly. One more thing - if you have any W-2s or tax documents from recent years handy when you apply, that can speed up the process. They'll need to verify your earnings history anyway, and having those documents ready can prevent delays. The fact that you're thinking ahead and asking these questions shows you're being smart about this whole situation. Don't let anyone make you feel bad about taking benefits you've earned while fighting for the disability benefits you deserve.

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is that you should also consider applying for any state disability benefits if your state offers them. Some states have short-term disability programs that can provide additional income while you're waiting for federal decisions. Also, when you do apply for retirement benefits, make sure you understand that your first payment might take 2-3 months to arrive even if everything goes smoothly. Plan your finances accordingly - you might want to see if there are any emergency assistance programs in your area to bridge that gap if your savings run out completely. I went through a similar situation with my father-in-law last year. The key is staying organized and persistent. Keep copies of everything, follow up regularly, and don't be afraid to escalate if you're not getting answers. The system is complex but it does work if you navigate it correctly. One last suggestion - consider reaching out to your local Area Agency on Aging or disability advocacy organizations. They often have counselors who specialize in Social Security issues and can provide free guidance through the process.

I'm a former SSA field office manager and wanted to add some insider perspective that might help you feel more confident about this decision. The coordination between retirement and disability benefits is actually one of the most common scenarios we handled, so don't worry - the system is set up to handle this seamlessly. What many people don't realize is that SSA automatically runs a "diary" system that tracks cases with dual applications, so your files will be flagged for review when your SSDI decision comes through. A few practical tips from someone who processed these cases for years: 1. When you apply for retirement, specifically ask them to input a "REMARKSDI" code in your record - this ensures proper tracking between systems 2. Keep your attorney informed about your retirement application date. They can reference this in SSDI hearings if needed, and it actually strengthens your case by showing consistent financial hardship 3. The "4 months before" rule is conservative - you can actually submit your retirement application up to 3 months and 29 days before your 62nd birthday and request benefits to begin the month you turn 62 4. If you encounter any bureaucratic snafus (and you might), ask to speak with a Technical Expert (TE) rather than just a claims representative. TEs handle complex dual-entitlement cases and can resolve issues faster Your situation is exactly what these safety net programs were designed for. You're not gaming anything - you're using the system as intended while fighting for the full benefits you deserve. The reduced retirement payment is just temporary insurance while your SSDI case works its way through the system.

I wanted to add one more important consideration that might help with your decision-making process. Since you mentioned your savings are nearly gone and you're turning 62 in January, you should also be aware that once you start receiving retirement benefits, you'll need to report this income on your taxes. However, depending on your total income level, your Social Security retirement benefits may not be fully taxable. If Social Security is your only income source after you start receiving benefits, a significant portion (or possibly all) of your benefits may be tax-free. Also, I'd recommend contacting your local SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) counselor once you start receiving retirement benefits. They can help you understand your Medicare options for when you turn 65, and if you do get approved for SSDI later, they can explain how the earlier Medicare eligibility through disability works. One practical tip: when you're gathering documents for your retirement application, also make copies for your disability case file. Having consistent documentation between both applications can prevent any discrepancies that might cause processing delays. You're being very smart by planning ahead and asking all these questions now. The coordination between these programs exists precisely for situations like yours, where you need immediate income security while pursuing the benefits you're entitled to. Don't let anyone make you feel like you're doing anything wrong - you've paid into this system and have every right to use it strategically while your disability case is pending.

I'm going through something very similar right now and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm 61 and will be 62 in March, with an SSDI application that's been pending since last summer. The financial anxiety is real - I've been losing sleep wondering if I was making the right choice to apply for early retirement while waiting on disability. Reading through all these responses, especially from the former SSA manager and current claims specialist, has given me so much confidence that this is not only allowed but actually a smart strategy. I had no idea about things like the REMARKSDI code or asking to speak with a Technical Expert if issues come up. One question I have for anyone who's been through this: how long after you applied for retirement benefits did you start receiving your first payment? I know someone mentioned 2-3 months, but I'm curious about real-world experiences since I'm trying to plan my budget carefully. Also, for those who eventually got approved for SSDI after taking early retirement - was the transition to the higher benefit amount smooth, or did you have to fight for it? I'm hoping it's as automatic as some people mentioned, but I want to be prepared if I need to be proactive about requesting the adjustment. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and expertise. This community is a lifesaver when you're trying to navigate this complicated system alone!

I actually went through this exact process about 18 months ago and can share some real-world timing details that might help you both plan better. For retirement benefits timing: I applied in early October for a December birthday, and my first payment came in mid-January (about 3 months total). The processing took about 6 weeks, but then there's the standard delay where they pay benefits the month after they're earned. So if your benefits start in January, your first payment comes in February. For the SSDI transition: I got approved for disability about 8 months after starting retirement benefits, and the transition was mostly smooth but not completely automatic. I had to call SSA twice to make sure they processed the benefit conversion correctly. The first representative didn't seem to understand dual entitlement, but the second one (a Technical Expert, thanks to the tip from the former SSA manager!) handled it perfectly. The backpay calculation was complex but fair - they paid me the difference between my reduced retirement amount and the full SSDI amount going back to my established onset date. That created a nice lump sum, but it did take about 6 weeks to receive after my SSDI approval. One tip: set up automatic deposit if you haven't already. It makes the transition between retirement and SSDI payments much smoother since they can adjust the deposit amounts without having to issue new checks. Both of you are making smart decisions. The financial security of having something coming in while fighting for full SSDI benefits is worth so much more than the stress of having zero income during the wait.

I'm a disability advocate who works with clients navigating exactly this situation, and I wanted to add a few points that might help you feel even more confident about your decision. First, the strategy you're considering is not only legitimate but often recommended by disability attorneys and advocates. We frequently advise clients who are approaching 62 to pursue early retirement while their SSDI cases are pending, especially when financial resources are running low. One thing I always tell my clients: document everything related to both applications. Keep a file with copies of all forms, confirmation numbers, dates of phone calls, and names of representatives you speak with. This becomes invaluable if any coordination issues arise between the two benefit systems. Also, when you do get that first retirement payment, resist any temptation to change your lifestyle significantly. Remember, if your SSDI gets approved, you'll receive a substantial backpay amount, but until then, treat the reduced retirement benefit as temporary income to cover basic needs. I'd also suggest asking your disability attorney if they have experience with dual entitlement cases. Not all disability lawyers are familiar with the retirement/SSDI coordination process, and having an attorney who understands both systems can be helpful if any complications arise. Finally, don't let anyone - family, friends, or even some SSA representatives - make you feel like you're "double-dipping" or doing something improper. You've earned both benefits through your work history, and using them strategically while pursuing the full benefits you deserve is exactly how the system is designed to work. You're making a smart, well-informed decision during a difficult time. The peace of mind that comes with having some income while your SSDI case progresses is worth far more than the temporary reduction in benefits.