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.