Can I switch from early SS retirement to SSDI at 63 after getting TPD loan discharge?

i went thru this last year. had taken early retirement at 62 then got really sick. the phone interview isnt as scary as u think. they mostlt just verify info from ur application and ask about doctors. make sure u have ALL ur doctors names phone #s and addresses ready. also list of medications. they might ask about daily activities too like can u cook clean etc. good luck!!

What you're trying to do is switch from reduced retirement benefits to disability benefits. This is possible and actually quite common. If approved for SSDI, you'll receive the higher disability benefit amount instead of your reduced retirement amount. For the phone interview: 1) Have a complete list of all medical providers with contact information 2) Know exact dates of when your condition worsened (after you took early retirement) 3) Be able to clearly explain how your condition prevents you from working 4) Have documentation from your TPD loan discharge as supporting evidence The approval for TPD loan forgiveness is helpful but SSA uses different criteria for disability. Your medical records will be the most important factor. The disability benefit amount will be what you would have received had you initially filed for disability instead of early retirement.

SSA is TERRIBLE about phone interviews!!! I had one scheduled last month and they never called!!! Then they said I missed the appointment when I called to follow up! Now I'm waiting another 3 weeks for a new appointment. The whole system is broken!!

I successfully switched from early retirement to SSDI last year. Here's what you need to know: The phone interview is primarily to gather information about your medical conditions, treatment history, and how your disability affects your ability to work. This is called a Technical Interview. Be honest about your limitations but don't exaggerate. After this call, your case will be sent to Disability Determination Services (DDS) in your state. They'll request your medical records directly from your providers - you don't need to send them yourself. If approved, your benefit will be adjusted to what you would have received had you filed for disability initially instead of early retirement. This removes the early retirement reduction penalty. However, there are some important things to understand: 1. They'll look at your disability onset date carefully - this needs to be supported by medical evidence 2. Backpay may be limited to 12 months from application date 3. The TPD approval helps but SSA has different criteria 4. Be prepared for a possible denial and appeal process My best advice: document everything, be specific about your limitations, and follow up regularly on your claim status.

I've been trying to get through to SS for THREE WEEKS about my disability application and keep getting disconnected or waiting for hours! I finally found a service called Claimyr that got me through to a real person in 20 minutes. They call SSA for you and then connect you when they get a real person. Saved me hours of frustration. I watched their demo video (https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU) and it actually worked exactly like they showed. The website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out before your interview. Totally worth it for me after wasting days trying to get through myself.

make sure u have ur work history for last 15 yrs too!!! they asked me all about that and i wasnt prepared had to call back

One important thing to understand is that if you're approved for SSDI after taking early retirement, your benefit amount will be adjusted. When you took retirement at 62, your benefit was reduced by about 30% from your full retirement age amount. If approved for disability, you'll receive your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), which is what you would get at full retirement age. The difference between these amounts can be substantial. For example, if your full retirement age benefit would have been $2,000, you're currently receiving approximately $1,400 in early retirement. If approved for SSDI, you could receive the full $2,000. Also, be aware that there's a 5-month waiting period for disability benefits, but since you're already past that, it shouldn't affect you. You could potentially receive retroactive benefits for up to 12 months before your application date if you can prove your disability began during that period.

The phone ppl dont decide if u get approved anyway. They just take down info. Its the medical review ppl who decide. They never even talk to u directly. System is messed up

I was in almost exactly your situation last year! I took retirement at 62, then got MUCH worse health-wise at 63. My doctor actually suggested I apply for SSDI since I had to stop working completely. The phone interview was mostly gathering info and was less stressful than I expected. The thing nobody told me was how LONG the whole process would take. It was almost 5 months from my phone interview until I got the decision letter. Then it took another month for the payment adjustment to actually happen. So be prepared to wait... a lot. Oh, and having all your medical records and doctor contact info ready really helps speed things up. And don't get discouraged if they deny you the first time - something like 70% of applications get denied initially. I had to appeal but eventually got approved.

Honestly I wouldn't even bother applying for SSDI if you're already getting retirement. My brother-in-law tried this exact thing and got denied TWICE even though he literally can't walk without a walker now. The whole system is RIGGED against us. They make it impossible to get approved unless you hire a lawyer who takes a huge chunk of your backpay. It's all a scam!