Can I qualify for SSDI after already receiving Social Security retirement benefits?

Yes, you can apply for SSDI even though you're already collecting retirement benefits, but there are important things to know. If you're approved for disability, SSA will essentially remove the early retirement reduction penalty. But you need to apply within 5 months of becoming disabled.The key is proving your disability began AFTER you started collecting retirement but BEFORE your full retirement age. Your medical records will need to clearly document when your condition became severe enough to prevent working.If approved, they'll adjust your payment to what you would have received without the early retirement reduction.

Thank you so much for this information! So if I understand correctly, I need to prove my disability started 3 months ago (after I started retirement benefits)? Do you know how much paperwork is involved? My hands are really bad some days and filling out forms is difficult.

My neighbor tried this last year and got denied. She was 64 and already getting SS checks. They told her since she was already getting retirement anyway there was no point. Maybe depends who reviews your case? Good luck!!

This is incorrect information. Your neighbor was likely denied for medical reasons, not because she was already receiving retirement benefits. The SSA has a specific process for this situation called \

the rules say if u become disabled within 5 months of taking early retirement u can switch. its called DIBEAR (disability insurance benefits entitlement after retirement). my sister did this 2 yrs ago, took her about 8 months to get approved but then she got backpay from when her disability started and her check went up by almost $400/month bc they took away the early filing penalty!

Oh wow, that's a significant increase! Did she have to return any of her retirement payments when they switched her over to disability?

Sorry you're dealing with such bad RA. I have it too and know how debilitating it can be. Make sure your rheumatologist is documenting EVERYTHING - range of motion limitations, medication side effects, pain levels. SSA will want to see detailed medical evidence about why you can't work anymore. The key with RA is showing that even though it's an

Thank you for understanding. It's really hard some days to even hold a spoon. My rheumatologist is great about documentation, and I've been taking photos of the swelling on bad days too. Do you think those would help my case?

If you're having trouble reaching the SSA to discuss your situation, I'd recommend trying Claimyr (claimyr.com). It's a service that helps you get through to a live SSA agent without the usual hours-long wait. I was in a similar situation trying to convert from retirement to disability and kept getting disconnected, but Claimyr got me through to an agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU

Does this actually work? I tried calling SSA last month and gave up after being on hold for 2 hours!

Yes, it definitely works. I was skeptical too but was desperate after multiple failed attempts. Got through to a knowledgeable agent who explained exactly what forms I needed and how the DIBEAR process works.

I've helped several clients navigate this exact situation as a former SSA employee. Here's what you need to know:1. The program is officially called \

WAIT the disability has to start within 5 MONTHS of retirement???? The poster said they've been on retirement for a YEAR already, so they're past the 5 month window right? Seems like important information!!!

You're misinterpreting the rule. The disability needs to have BEGUN within 5 months of when you'd be eligible for disability benefits. The poster started retirement at 63 and is now around 64, which is well within the window since they haven't reached their FRA (67). They have up until their FRA to apply if they can prove disability onset after retirement benefits began.

Thank you everyone for the helpful responses! I've made an appointment with my rheumatologist next week to discuss getting the proper documentation. I'll definitely be applying for the DIBEAR program - I had no idea this was even possible. I'm also going to try that Claimyr service to talk to SSA directly about what forms I need. My hands are so bad today I had to use voice-to-text to type this. Getting that early filing penalty removed would make a huge difference in my monthly budget.Does anyone know roughly how long the application process usually takes? Should I expect to wait months for a decision?

The timeline varies a lot, but expect 3-5 months for the initial decision. If denied (which happens to most people initially), the reconsideration takes another 3-4 months, and if denied again, a hearing takes 9-12 months in most states. Having thorough medical documentation from the start increases your chances of early approval.

I TRIED THIS EXACT THING AND GOT DENIED!!! Applied for disability 2 yrs after taking early retirement at 62. Spent months sending paperwork and going to their doctors. Then they said my disability wasn't severe enough even though I can barely walk!!! The whole system is designed to deny people. Don't get your hopes up.

I'm sorry that happened to you. Did you appeal the decision? I've heard many people get approved on appeal even after initial denial.

Yes im waiting for a hearing date now. Been waiting 11 months already!!! They say it could be another 6 months. Meanwhile im living on the reduced amount and can barely afford my meds.

Just wanted to add some practical tips for your DIBEAR application since you mentioned having trouble with forms due to your RA. You can request accommodations from SSA - they can do phone interviews instead of requiring you to fill out all forms by hand. Also, ask a trusted family member or friend to help you with paperwork if needed. For your medical documentation, make sure your rheumatologist includes specific details about how your RA affects your ability to perform work tasks - gripping, lifting, sitting/standing tolerance, fatigue levels, etc. The SSA needs to see functional limitations, not just diagnosis. One more thing - keep a daily pain/symptom diary if you can manage it. Even brief notes about bad days can help establish the pattern of your disability. Voice-to-text apps on your phone can make this easier when your hands are particularly bad. Good luck with your application!

I went through a similar situation with my fibromyalgia about 3 years ago. Started retirement benefits at 62, then my condition worsened significantly about 6 months later. Successfully converted to SSDI through the DIBEAR program and my monthly payment increased by about $320 when they removed the early filing penalty. A few things that helped my case: 1) Got a detailed RFC (Residual Functional Capacity) assessment from my doctor specifically describing what I couldn't do anymore, 2) Had my doctor write a letter explaining the timeline of when my condition became disabling in relation to when I started retirement benefits, and 3) Kept detailed records of medication changes and treatment attempts. The process took about 4 months for approval, but having solid medical documentation from the start really helped. Don't let anyone discourage you - this program exists for exactly your situation. With RA being a recognized condition and clear documentation of functional limitations, you have a good chance if you can establish the timeline properly.

I'm dealing with a similar situation with my multiple sclerosis that worsened after I started early retirement. One thing I learned is that it's crucial to have your doctor document not just your diagnosis, but specifically how your condition prevents you from performing any substantial gainful activity. For RA specifically, make sure your rheumatologist documents things like: grip strength measurements, how long you can sit/stand/walk, your ability to use your hands for fine motor tasks, fatigue levels, and how pain medications affect your cognitive function. SSA needs to see that even with treatment, you can't maintain consistent work activity. Also, don't just rely on your rheumatologist - if your RA affects other body systems or you see other specialists (like for medication side effects), get documentation from them too. The more comprehensive your medical file, the better your chances. I'd recommend starting a folder now with copies of all your medical records since your condition worsened - you'll need everything when you apply. The DIBEAR program is definitely worth pursuing in your case. Having that early filing penalty removed could make a significant difference in your monthly income during what's already a challenging time health-wise.