Social Security at 67 vs. SSDI now - is disability worth pursuing with 3 years until FRA?

I was in almost your exact situation two years ago! Got laid off at 63, couldn't get callbacks despite 30+ years experience. The SSDI application is definitely time-consuming, but if your medical conditions are well-documented, it might be worth it. The approval process took me about 7 months total. The biggest benefit I found was getting Medicare earlier - you qualify for Medicare 24 months after being approved for SSDI, regardless of age. But since you're already 64, you'll be eligible for Medicare at 65 anyway, so that particular advantage might not apply to you. The most important thing to know: SSDI benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits at your FRA, and the amount stays exactly the same. Your benefit won't be reduced because you took disability early. So financially, there's no disadvantage. One tip - if you're struggling to get through to someone at SSA about this, I found a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual person at Social Security when I kept getting disconnected. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU - saved me hours of frustration when I was trying to figure all this out.

ur overthinking this. just apply for disability if u qualify. makes no diff to ur eventual SS amt. u get same $$ when u hit FRA whether u got SSDI b4 or not. but be ready for rejection first time - they reject everybody lol

You should absolutely apply for SSDI if you have qualifying medical conditions. Here's why: 1. SSDI converts to retirement benefits at your FRA with NO reduction in amount. You receive your full PIA (Primary Insurance Amount). 2. While on SSDI, you continue earning work credits even though you're not working, protecting your benefit amount. 3. You'll qualify for Medicare after 24 months on SSDI, but since you're turning 65 soon, you'll get Medicare then anyway. 4. There's no advantage to waiting until your FRA if you truly cannot work due to medical conditions. The only potential downside is the application process itself, which can be lengthy. But remember that benefits can be paid retroactively from your application date if approved. Regarding the age discrimination - unfortunately this is widespread. The ADEA (Age Discrimination in Employment Act) protects workers 40+, but these cases are notoriously difficult to prove.

Have you considered part-time work or consulting in your field? That might give you some income and independence without the full-time commitment. I'm 66 and semi-retired doing 15-20 hours a week consulting work. It fills the gap nicely until I start my SS next year. About SSDI - I wonder if the stress of the application and possible appeals process is worth it for just 3 years of benefits? It can take multiple denials and appeals, sometimes requiring a lawyer. For some people I know, it took over a year to get approved. Whatever you do DON'T take early retirement at 64 if you can avoid it - the permanent reduction is significant!! Much better to pursue SSDI which doesn't have that penalty.

Let me clarify a few important points about SSDI that might help your decision: 1. SSDI Application Timeline: The initial determination typically takes 3-5 months. If denied, reconsideration adds another 3-4 months. If denied again, a hearing might take 9-12+ months. Given you only have 3 years until FRA, timing matters. 2. Medical Requirements: SSDI requires proving you cannot perform substantial gainful activity (SGA) in ANY occupation, not just your previous field. Your conditions must be severe enough to prevent all types of work. 3. Benefit Calculation: SSDI pays exactly the same amount as you would receive at FRA. At FRA, it automatically converts to retirement benefits with no change in amount. 4. Medicare: SSDI recipients qualify for Medicare after 24 months of entitlement, regardless of age. But since you're almost 65, you'll qualify for Medicare soon anyway. 5. Continuing Eligibility Reviews: Since you're close to FRA, you likely wouldn't face a continuing disability review before conversion to retirement benefits. Given your stable financial situation, the decision really comes down to whether dealing with the application process is worth potentially 2-3 years of benefits. If your medical conditions are well-documented and clearly meet a listing, it might be. If it's borderline, you might spend much of those three years just trying to get approved.

Dont bother with SSDI!! Total waste of time at your age. My brother in law tried at 63 and it took so long that by the time he got to the hearing he was already 65 and just took regualr SS instead. The system is DESIGNED to wear you down until you give up!!!

I'm SO SORRY about the job situation!!! I went through the EXACT same thing at 61!!! It's COMPLETELY unfair and basically impossible to prove age discrimination!!! I ended up taking a job making about 40% less than before just to have something. Have you tried looking at government jobs? They tend to be better about age discrimination in my experience. About SSDI - it's worth checking if you qualify but just know it's NOT EASY to get approved!!! My cousin has severe rheumatoid arthritis and still got denied twice before getting it on appeal!!! But once you get it, it doesn't affect your FRA benefit amount at all.

My wife went thru this exact situation. Applied for disability at 63, took about 5 months to get approved (she has MS so pretty clear cut case). Main advantage was getting her income started again while preserving her full SS amount when she hit FRA. Just had her 66th birthday and the switch from SSDI to regular SS was automatic, same amount, no paperwork. Only hassle was all the medical documentation needed for initial application. Since you're financially ok might be worth the peace of mind to have your own income source again.

btw has anyone asked if ur even eligible for SSDI? you need to have worked enough in recent years to qualify - like 5 of last 10 yrs i think?