Should I take Social Security at 66 while on short-term disability or wait until FRA?

I was in almost the exact same situation after my back surgery last year! I ended up filing for SS at 65 when my STD ran out. Here's what you need to know - if you start SS before your FRA (which is probably 67), your benefits are permanently reduced by about 0.56% for each month you claim early. So filing a year early means about a 6.7% permanent reduction. The other thing to consider is the earnings test. If you go back to work before reaching FRA, SS will withhold $1 for every $2 you earn above the annual limit (about $22,320 in 2025). But once you hit FRA, they recalculate your benefit to give credit for months they withheld benefits. In my case, I took SS early, then when I returned to work, they suspended some payments, but I couldn't afford to wait with no income.

You're in what we call the "gap period" - when short-term disability ends but before you're fully recovered. Here are your main options: 1. Apply for SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) - but approval takes time, often 3-6 months or longer if denied initially 2. Take early SS retirement - yes, it's reduced permanently (about 6.7% for claiming one year early), but you get income now 3. Look into whether your employer offers long-term disability insurance 4. Check if your state has any additional temporary disability programs beyond the 26 weeks If you start SS early, then return to work earning above the annual limit ($22,320 in 2025), they'll withhold some benefits, but won't reduce your already-reduced benefit further. After FRA, there's no earnings limit. Do you have any sick leave or vacation time you could use to bridge the gap?

Dont touch ur 401k!!!! I did that when i was in a similar spot and its my biggest regret ever. The taxes and penalties KILLED me. social security might be less money but at least its guaranteed income every month and no penalties

my sister started SS at 65 and went back to work at 66. they took back some of her payments while she was working but she said its still better than having no income. the reduction isnt that bad if your only 1 year away from FRA.

Let me give you the accurate numbers to help with your decision: 1. Filing at 66 when your FRA is 67 will reduce your benefit by approximately 6.7% permanently 2. The 2025 earnings limit for people under FRA is $22,320/year. If you return to full-time work earning more than this, SSA will withhold $1 for every $2 you earn above that limit. 3. Once you reach your FRA, the earnings test no longer applies - you can earn any amount without reduction. 4. When you reach FRA, SSA will recalculate your benefit to credit you for months they withheld benefits due to work, which will slightly increase your monthly amount going forward. One strategy to consider: File for SS now, use those benefits until you return to work, let SSA withhold benefits while working (if applicable), then when you reach FRA next year, you'll get the adjustment. This approach helps you avoid 401k withdrawals while still maximizing your SS benefits long-term.

To clarify the confusion: The EARLY FILING reduction (6.7% for filing a year early) is permanent. What gets adjusted at FRA is different - it accounts for months your benefits were WITHHELD due to the earnings test. These are two separate calculations. Example: - You file at 66 instead of 67: Your $2000 benefit is reduced to $1866 (6.7% reduction) - You return to work and earn above the limit: Some monthly payments get withheld - At FRA: Your $1866 benefit might increase to perhaps $1900 to account for those withheld months But you never get back to the full $2000 you would've received had you waited until 67 to file initially.

I went through HELL trying to reach someone at Social Security when I needed to figure out my options after surgery! Spent HOURS on hold only to get disconnected. So frustrating when you're already stressed about finances and recovery. I eventually used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual SSA agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Definitely worth it to actually speak with an SSA representative who can look at your specific record and tell you EXACTLY how much your benefit would be if you file now versus waiting. They can also explain all the rules about working while receiving benefits that apply to your specific situation.

Cant u just apply for regular disability from Social Security?? That's what its there for right???

have u checked if ur eligible for unemployment? sometimes u can get that if ur job cant accomodate ur medical restrictions.

Thanks everyone for the advice! After weighing all options, I think I'm going to: 1. Use that Claimyr service to actually speak with someone at SSA about my specific situation 2. File for SS retirement now to cover the gap when my NJ disability ends 3. Accept that there will be a permanent reduction, but it's better than draining my 401k 4. When I return to work, let them withhold benefits as needed based on my earnings The clarification about how they adjust the benefit at FRA for withheld months was really helpful. Still not ideal, but seems like the best option in my situation. I'll also check with my employer about whether long-term disability might kick in after my short-term benefits end, and look into the unemployment suggestion too. Every bit helps during recovery!