Should I take early Social Security at 62 while my SSDI appeal is pending?

You're in a tough spot that many people face with SSDI appeals. Here's what you need to know: You CAN apply for early retirement at 62 while your SSDI case is pending. If your disability is eventually approved, SSA will adjust your benefits to the higher SSDI rate retroactively to your established onset date. The reduction you'd face from taking early retirement would be removed. Regarding spousal benefits - if your own work record would give you higher benefits than the spousal amount (which is max 50% of your wife's PIA), then spousal benefits wouldn't make sense. You'd need to check which is higher. The big question is your financial situation now vs. potential future benefits. Taking early retirement means a permanent 30% reduction if your SSDI claim is ultimately denied. But if SSDI is approved, you'll get full benefits retroactively (minus the retirement benefits already received).

DON'T DO IT!!! I was in almost EXACTLY your situation and I took early retirement while waiting for disability and it was a HUGE MISTAKE!!! They denied my disability and now I'm STUCK with the reduced amount FOREVER!!! If you can find ANY way to survive without taking early SS, DO THAT INSTEAD!!! The system is DESIGNED to wear you down so you'll take the early retirement and save them money!!!!

I went through something similar last year. Got denied twice for SSDI and was at the hearing level when I turned 62. I decided to take early retirement because we couldn't pay our bills anymore. My hearing finally happened 8 months later and I was approved for disability! The SSA adjusted everything like they were supposed to. I got backpay from my disability onset date (minus what I'd already received in retirement) and my monthly amount went up to the full disability rate. So it worked out for me, but only because I eventually won my case. Just know that if you take early retirement and your disability claim is denied, you'll be stuck with that reduced benefit amount for life. It's about a 30% reduction from your full retirement age amount.

my brother waited 4 yrs for his disability went to court twice and got denied both times. he shoulda just taken early retirement at 62 and saved himself the stress. system is rigged man

Let me clarify some important points about concurrent filing for retirement and disability benefits: 1. If you file for early retirement at 62 while your SSDI claim is pending, this is called a "protective filing" approach. 2. Important: The disability benefit amount is frozen at what you would receive at Full Retirement Age (FRA), so it's higher than early retirement benefits. 3. If your disability claim is approved after taking early retirement, SSA will adjust your benefit to the higher disability amount retroactively to your established onset date. You will receive back pay for the difference. 4. Regarding spousal benefits: You can only receive the higher of either your own benefit or the spousal benefit (not both). At 62, spousal benefits would be reduced to about 35% of your wife's PIA rather than the full 50%. 5. Calculation tip: Check your my Social Security account online to compare your projected benefit amounts under different scenarios. This decision should be based on your financial needs and how confident you are about winning your disability appeal.

If you've been dealing with SSDI for 2.5 years already, you know how frustrating calling Social Security can be! When I was in a similar situation last year, I found a service called Claimyr that helped me actually get through to a live agent without the endless waiting and disconnects. You might want to check out their video (https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU) to see how it works. Using claimyr.com was a game-changer for me - I finally got clear answers about my options while waiting for my disability hearing. They got me through to a representative who explained exactly how taking early retirement would affect my pending disability claim.

Just wanted to say I'm in almost the exact same boat!! Applied for disability 3 years ago, denied twice, now waiting for hearing date. Turning 62 next month and FREAKING OUT about what to do. Following this thread for advice!

my aunt took ss at 62 while waiting for disability and it worked out fine when she got approved 6 months later they fixed everything and gave her backpay

One more crucial point that hasn't been mentioned: If you do decide to take early retirement while waiting for a disability decision, make absolutely sure you still attend your disability hearing if one is scheduled. Some people mistakenly think that once they start receiving retirement benefits, their disability case is closed. It's not! You need to follow through with the disability process to completion. If you don't show up for your hearing, your disability case will be dismissed, and you'll be permanently stuck with the reduced retirement benefit. Also, keep in mind that SSDI appeals at the hearing level are currently taking 12-18 months in most areas. So if you're already at the appeal stage, you might want to factor that timeline into your decision.

Just wanted to add something about the spousal benefit option you mentioned. Based on my experience, the spousal benefit at age 62 would be significantly reduced - approximately 30-35% of your wife's PIA instead of the full 50% you'd get at your full retirement age. When I was trying to decide, I found that my own early retirement benefit was actually higher than the reduced spousal benefit I qualified for through my husband. It's worth checking both calculations. SSA will actually give you the higher of the two amounts automatically when you apply. Another thing to consider - if your disability is approved and your established onset date is before age 62, you might be eligible for more backpay than you realize. Mine went back almost 2 years before I applied for early retirement.