Can I qualify for SSDI after lung surgery at 62? Too sick to work but just became eligible for early SS retirement

You absolutely should apply for SSDI rather than taking early retirement if your doctors think you'll be unable to work for at least 12 months. SSDI pays your full benefit amount regardless of age, while taking retirement at 62 means a permanent 30% reduction in your monthly payment for life. The catch is that SSDI approval can take many months or even years if you need to appeal. But if approved, SSDI would convert to regular retirement when you reach Full Retirement Age, but at your FULL rate, not the reduced early retirement rate. Make sure your doctors document everything thoroughly - the cognitive issues will be a key part of your case since they directly impact your ability to work in your field.

I'm going thru something similar and its a NIGHTMARE!!!! Applied for SSDI 8 months ago after cancer surgery and still waiting!!!! They denied me the first time even with all my medical records saying im to sick to work. Now I'm broke and cant even get anyone on the phone at Social Security!!! The system is RIGGED against sick people who paid into it their whole lives!!!!!! Good luck but dont count on any help anytime soon.

You can apply for SSDI immediately - there's no specific waiting period after surgery before applying. However, to qualify for SSDI, your condition must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Given that your doctors mentioned 6-12 months recovery, you should have them clarify in their documentation whether they expect your cognitive issues to potentially extend beyond 12 months. Important points to know: 1. You can't receive both SSDI and retirement benefits simultaneously, but you can apply for both and then choose the higher benefit. 2. If approved for SSDI, you'll receive your full retirement benefit amount regardless of age (not reduced). 3. SSDI includes a 5-month waiting period before payments begin, so even if approved, there's a gap. 4. Medicare eligibility begins 24 months after SSDI eligibility begins. Get a copy of your medical records and make sure they clearly document your cognitive limitations. Neuroendocrine tumors and major lung surgery are serious conditions that SSA will consider, but the impact on your ability to work needs to be well-documented.

My husband had a similir situation. lung cancer and surgical removal of part of his lung. he couldn't go back to work and the headaches were bad like yours. we applied for ssdi and they approved him in about 4 months! i think because the medical records were really clear. make sure your doctors write down ALL your symptoms and limitations everytime you see them. thats what made the difference for us i think.

I don't know all the rules but when I applied for SSDI they sent me to their doctors for additional exams. Make sure you go to all those appointments! I missed one because I was in the hospital and they used that against me in my denial. Also, people don't realize that SSDI is actually based on your work credits and how much you've paid into the system. You need to have worked 5 out of the last 10 years to qualify. At 62 you probably have enough credits but just something to be aware of. And get yourself a lawyer who specializes in SSDI claims. They only get paid if you win (from your backpay) and having one increased my chances big time.

Couple things nobody mentioned: 1. With SSDI you can actually try going back to work under their Ticket to Work program without losing benefits right away. They have a 9-month trial work period where you keep full benefits even if working. 2. If your early retirement payment would be higher than SSI (which is different from SSDI and has strict income/asset limits), you might qualify for both partial SSDI and partial retirement to maximize your monthly income. 3. SSDI applications get approved faster if you're over 55 because they have different vocational guidelines for older workers. Good luck!

Based on everything shared here, I think your next steps should be: 1. Schedule an appointment with a Social Security representative (online or phone) to discuss your specific situation and options 2. Talk to your doctors about providing detailed documentation about your cognitive limitations and expected recovery timeline, specifically addressing whether impairments may last 12+ months 3. Consider consulting with an SSDI attorney for a free consultation before filing 4. Prepare a detailed work history and list of all your medical providers 5. Apply for SSDI as soon as your documentation is in order Given your age and situation, this is definitely worth pursuing over simply taking early retirement benefits. The approval rates for well-documented cases with clear medical evidence are much higher than many people realize.