Can I switch from early retirement to SSDI at 65 with documented back problems?
Hi everyone, I'm in a tough spot and need some advice. I started taking my Social Security retirement benefits at 62 because I thought that was my best option at the time. Now I'm 65 and my back problems have gotten significantly worse. I've had three major back surgeries (2006, 2015, and 2021), and despite the procedures, I'm finding it impossible to function normally. The pain is unbearable most days. I'm wondering if there's any way to switch from my reduced retirement benefits to disability (SSDI) at this point? Would this potentially increase my monthly payment? My retirement benefit is pretty low since I took it early, and the medical bills are really piling up. Does anyone know if this is even possible or am I stuck with the early retirement amount forever? Appreciate any insights!
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Paolo Conti
Yes, you can still apply for SSDI even though you're already receiving retirement benefits. This is called a "disability onset during the retroactive period." Since you're already 65, you'd need to prove your disability began before your full retirement age. If approved, they would potentially adjust your benefit amount to the higher disability rate instead of the reduced retirement rate. You'll need strong medical documentation showing that your back condition meets SSA's definition of disability. Those surgical records will be helpful, but you'll also need current medical evidence showing continued severe limitations. I'd recommend applying as soon as possible since there are time limits involved.
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Keisha Williams
•Thank you so much for this information! It gives me hope. Do you know if the application process is the same as a regular SSDI application? And would I need to go to the SSA office in person or can I start this online?
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Amina Diallo
I was in a similar situation last year! Had taken retirement at 63 then my arthritis got severely worse. I tried to apply for disability but was getting NOWHERE with SSA on the phone - constant busy signals, disconnections, and when I finally got through after 3 HOURS the person couldn't even help me. Finally found a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to a real SSA agent in under 10 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU After I actually got to talk to someone, I found out I needed to file a special request form. The process took about 4 months but they did increase my benefit amount since my disability determination was approved. Good luck with your situation!
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Keisha Williams
•This is really helpful, thank you! Those phone waits are awful - I tried calling last week and gave up after being on hold for an hour. I'll check out that service. Did you need a lawyer for your disability application or were you able to handle it yourself?
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Oliver Schulz
•THEY MAKE YOU WAIT ON PURPOSE!!! The whole system is designed to frustrate people so they give up. I waited 3 years for my disability hearing and lost everything while waiting. Don't trust anything they say on the phone either, half the time they give wrong information.
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Natasha Kuznetsova
my sister tried to do this exact thing and it was a NIGHTMARE. shes 64 and had early retirement then got cancer and tried for disability. they denied her 3 times even with all her medical records and everything!!! so frustrating. hope you have better luck than she did
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Keisha Williams
•Oh no, I'm so sorry about your sister! That's exactly what I'm worried about. Did she appeal the denials or just give up? I wonder if having a lawyer would have helped her case.
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Natasha Kuznetsova
•she appealed twice but gave up after that. was too sick to keep fighting them. i think a lawyer mightve helped but she didnt have money for that. make sure you get ALL your medical records not just from surgeries
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AstroAdventurer
You can only get SSDI if you're under Full Retirement Age, which is 66 and 2 months for people born in 1955. So at 65 you're still eligible. But honestly it's prob not worth the hassle for just 1 year of benefits, since disability converts to retirement at FRA anyway.
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Javier Mendoza
•Actually, that's not quite right. While it's true that SSDI converts to retirement at FRA, the financial benefit could be significant. When someone files for early retirement at 62, they take a permanent reduction (about 25-30%) to their benefit amount. However, if they qualify for SSDI, their benefit would be calculated at their full PIA (Primary Insurance Amount) without the reduction penalty, even if they previously elected early retirement. So if the disability claim is approved, SSA would essentially remove the early filing reduction and pay the full benefit amount going forward, plus potentially some back pay. Depending on the person's benefit amount, this could mean hundreds of dollars more each month for the rest of their life. It absolutely can be worth pursuing.
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AstroAdventurer
•Oh wow, I didn't realize that. Thanks for correcting me! Definitely worth trying for then.
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Javier Mendoza
To maximize your chances of approval, focus on these specific items: 1. Get a detailed statement from your current treating physician documenting how your back condition limits your functioning and prevents any substantial gainful activity 2. Ensure you have all medical records from those three surgeries (2006, 2015, 2021) accessible 3. Document any prescribed pain medications, physical therapy, or other treatments 4. Keep a daily journal of your functional limitations (can't stand more than X minutes, can't lift more than Y pounds, etc.) 5. File Form SSA-16 (Application for Disability Insurance Benefits) along with Form SSA-3368 (Disability Report) The process typically takes 3-5 months for an initial decision. If approved, your benefit will be adjusted to remove the early retirement reduction, which could significantly increase your monthly amount. This increased rate would continue for life, even after conversion to retirement at FRA.
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Keisha Williams
•This is extremely helpful - thank you for the specific forms to file! I've been keeping a pain journal for my doctor already, so I'll make sure it includes all the functional limitations too. I really appreciate the detailed guidance.
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Emma Wilson
wait i'm confused...isn't SSDI the same as regular SS? my husband gets disability but it's SSI not SSDI i think. aren't there different programs?
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Paolo Conti
•They're actually different programs: SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is needs-based for people with limited income and resources. It's not based on work history. SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is based on your work credits and what you've paid into the system through FICA taxes. Regular Social Security retirement benefits are age-based. In the OP's case, they're asking about switching from early retirement to SSDI, which is possible before reaching full retirement age if they can prove their disability meets SSA's criteria.
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Emma Wilson
•oh that makes more sense now! thanks for explaining the difference
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Oliver Schulz
If you can prove your disability started BEFORE you filed for early retirement, you might be able to get back pay too!!! Make sure you tell them EXACTLY when your condition became so bad you couldn't work. The magic words are "onset date" - that's what they care about. And DON'T let them rush you through the interview - they try to trip you up and use your words against you later!
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Paolo Conti
•While establishing an earlier onset date can potentially increase back benefits, it's important to be truthful and consistent with your medical records. SSA will determine the established onset date (EOD) based on your medical evidence, not just your statement. Making claims that aren't supported by your medical documentation could harm your case more than help it.
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Oliver Schulz
•Of course be truthful but they IGNORE half your evidence unless you point it out specifically!! I had to go through 3 appeals before someone actually READ my full file. The system is BROKEN
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Amina Diallo
Just wanted to update - I called SSA this morning about my situation and spent 2.5 hours on hold only to get disconnected when someone finally picked up. So frustrating! Will try again tomorrow I guess.
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Amina Diallo
•I tried that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier and got through to SSA in 8 minutes! The agent was actually really helpful and walked me through the process. I need to fill out forms SSA-16 and SSA-3368 like someone mentioned above, plus gather all my medical records. At least now I know what to do next.
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