Can my 66-year-old husband apply for SSDI after cancer recurrence? Already getting regular Social Security

Unfortunately, your husband cannot receive both regular Social Security retirement and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) at the same time. Since he's already 66, which is past his full retirement age (FRA), he's already receiving his maximum retirement benefit. SSDI converts to retirement benefits at FRA, so there would be no advantage to applying for disability now. What you might want to look into instead: 1. Medicare Extra Help for prescription costs 2. If his income is low enough, possibly SSI (Supplemental Security Income) 3. Check with the hospital about financial assistance programs for cancer patients

Since your husband is already 66, he's actually receiving his full retirement benefit already. SSDI automatically converts to retirement benefits at full retirement age (which is between 66-67 depending on birth year). What you should look into instead is whether he qualifies for Medicare Extra Help for prescription drugs, or potentially for Medicaid depending on your state and income level. Also check if he qualifies for any assistance programs specifically for cancer patients through organizations like the American Cancer Society. If your husband was still under his full retirement age, the advice would be different - but at 66, he's already transitioned to the retirement system.

my husband had similar situation. he was 65 with cancer, already on ss retirement. they said u cant get both at once, its one or other. we got help from american cancer society for some bills tho

I spent DAYS trying to reach SSA about a similar situation with my mom. Kept getting disconnected after waiting for hours! Finally I used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual SSA agent in under 10 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU The agent confirmed what others are saying - once you're at full retirement age, you can't switch to disability or get both. BUT they told me about some special programs for people with cancer that might help with Medicare costs. Worth calling to ask about your specific situation!

THEY DONT CARE ABOUT US!!! My wife had cancer and we tried everything to get more help from Social Security and they just kept giving us the runaround and saying "thats all youre entitled to" like we're asking for handouts!!! We paid into the system for 45 YEARS and this is what we get when we need help. The whole system is BROKEN!!!!

To address your specific situation more directly: 1. At age 66, your husband is already at or past his Full Retirement Age (FRA), which means he's receiving his full Social Security retirement benefit. 2. SSDI (disability) automatically converts to retirement benefits at FRA, so applying for disability now wouldn't increase his benefit amount. 3. Since he started collecting at age 63, his benefit is permanently reduced from what it would have been had he waited until his FRA. 4. However, you should look into whether he qualifies for the Compassionate Allowance program due to his cancer diagnosis. While this won't increase his current benefit, it might help with expediting other benefits. 5. Also check if you qualify for the Medicare Savings Program to help with Medicare costs, or Extra Help for prescription drug costs.

Has anyone here successfully gotten an increase in their SS payment after having cancer??? My dad is going through something similar and we keep hitting dead ends... SO FRUSTRATING!!!

I'm a volunteer with cancer patients, and while Social Security won't provide additional cash benefits beyond his retirement amount, please look into these resources that many miss: 1. Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition (CFAC) - searchable database of financial help 2. CancerCare provides small grants for treatment-related costs 3. Patient Advocate Foundation for help negotiating medical bills 4. If he was employed when diagnosed, check if his employer offered critical illness insurance 5. Veterans with cancer can access additional VA benefits if applicable Definitely apply for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drugs as others suggested - it can reduce costs dramatically.