Social Security disability vs retirement benefits with dialysis and amputation - which pays more?

Unfortunately, the SSA rep is correct. Once you've reached Full Retirement Age (FRA), which is 66-67 depending on birth year, there's no advantage to filing for disability (SSDI). The benefit calculation is identical - both use the same Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) based on his earnings record.The advantage of disability only applies when you're under FRA, because SSDI essentially gives you your full retirement benefit early without reduction for early filing.Since your father is already 67 and receiving retirement benefits, applying for disability won't change his monthly amount. However, he should look into these options:1. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if his assets and income are low enough2. Medicare Extra Help for prescription costs3. State-based programs for low-income seniors with disabilities

Thank you for explaining this so clearly. I was really hoping there might be some way to increase his benefit amount. His medical bills are just overwhelming right now with all the hospital stays. I'll definitely look into those other programs you mentioned, especially the Medicare Extra Help. Do you know if the application for that is complicated?

my mom went thru the same thing last year. the ssa people r right - once ur over retirement age the disability doesnt matter anymore for $$ amount. its all the same benefit calculation after 67.

One important correction - while it's true disability won't increase the payment, your father absolutely SHOULD apply for the Medicare ESRD (End Stage Renal Disease) program if he hasn't already. This provides special coverage for dialysis patients regardless of age and can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. Call Medicare directly about this, not regular Social Security.

Has your father worked enough quarters to qualify for the maximum SS retirement benefit? I'm skeptical when SSA reps make blanket statements without looking at specific situations. MY HUSBAND was told something similar but when we actually applied his benefit went up by $215 monthly!!!! Don't just accept what they tell you on the phone!Also with kidney failure + amputations he should 100% qualify for additional aid programs. The regular SS employees often DON'T KNOW about specialized programs!!

While I understand your skepticism, there's an important distinction to make here. The SSA rep was correct about SSDI versus retirement benefits - they are calculated identically once you've reached full retirement age.What likely happened in your husband's case is that they recalculated his PIA based on additional earnings or found an error in the original calculation. This isn't a case of disability paying more than retirement; it's about ensuring the correct benefit amount regardless of which program.However, I strongly agree with your second point. With kidney failure requiring dialysis, the father likely qualifies for the Medicare ESRD program which has substantial additional benefits specifically for dialysis patients. Additionally, with his medical conditions and low income, he may qualify for Medicaid, which would cover Medicare premiums and potentially act as secondary insurance.

Thank you both for this information. I had no idea about the Medicare ESRD program! Dad is definitely on dialysis 3 times a week now and it's been a nightmare with transportation and costs. I'll look into that program immediately. Also, I'm going to double-check his work history because he did have some years where he worked under the table, so maybe his recorded earnings aren't reflecting everything? Worth looking into at least.

im sorry abt ur dad. kidney disease is awful, my cousin has it too. have u tried getting him on medicaid? thats different from medicare and might help with the extra costs.

This is actually excellent advice. With his serious medical conditions and limited income, he may qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (called

I'm definitely going to look into the Medicaid option. Dad lives in Arizona - does anyone know if their Medicaid program (AHCCCS I think it's called?) has special provisions for dialysis patients? I'll research it myself too but thought someone might have direct experience.

Nobody seems to be addressing that your dad is 67 but you mentioned he \

Yes, he was still working part-time as a night security guard at a storage facility until about a month ago. It wasn't much (about $800/month) but it definitely helped supplement his SS payments. There's no way he can work now though - he's at dialysis 3 days a week for 4 hours each time, plus the finger amputations scheduled next week. You're right that losing that work income is the bigger financial hit compared to any potential SS increase.

I feel your pain about calling SSA! I spent 3 weeks trying to get through about my widow's benefits. Finally I used this service called Claimyr that got me connected to an agent in under 10 minutes. Best $15 I ever spent after wasting hours on hold. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puUNot affiliated with them at all, just a happy customer who finally got my benefits question answered!

Thanks for the tip! I'll check that out because this waiting game is driving me insane. Did they need any personal info to use the service?

They just need your phone number so they can call you back when they've reached an SSA agent. Really straightforward, and definitely saved my sanity after those endless busy signals and disconnections.

Here's a critical piece of advice regarding your father's situation that hasn't been mentioned yet: He should immediately contact his dialysis center's social worker. Every dialysis facility has a dedicated social worker who specializes in helping patients navigate exactly these financial and insurance challenges.These social workers are experts in:1. Accessing special Medicare programs for ESRD patients2. Finding pharmaceutical assistance programs3. Connecting patients with transportation services4. Applying for additional financial support programsThe dialysis social worker will know far more about available resources than general SSA representatives. They help patients in this exact situation every day and can guide your father through all available options.

This is incredibly helpful advice - thank you! I had no idea dialysis centers had social workers. Dad goes to a DaVita center and I've only dealt with the medical staff. I'll definitely ask about the social worker at his next appointment. That could be a game-changer for getting him connected to the right resources.

i dont think its right how they treat seniors who r sick! my grandpa only gets $1300 a month and has diabetes to. they should give more $ to sick people!

To address your original question comprehensively:1. The SSA representative was correct that SSDI benefits won't be higher than retirement benefits once someone has reached Full Retirement Age (age 67 for those born after 1960).2. However, with kidney failure requiring dialysis, your father likely qualifies for the specialized Medicare End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) program, which has different coverage rules than standard Medicare.3. Given his medical situation and limited income, he should explore: - Medicare Savings Programs that help pay Medicare costs - Extra Help for prescription drug costs (worth up to $5,000/year) - Medicaid as secondary coverage (especially important for dialysis patients) - Special Assistance Programs through the dialysis provider - SNAP benefits (food stamps) if his income is low enough4. The most efficient approach would be working with the dialysis center's social worker as someone suggested. They specialize in connecting ESRD patients with all available financial resources.The focus shouldn't be on increasing his Social Security payment (which is difficult at this point) but rather on reducing his medical expenses and accessing specialized programs for dialysis patients.

Thank you for laying everything out so clearly. I've made a checklist from your suggestions and will start working through them tomorrow. I'm especially going to look into the Medicare ESRD program and connecting with the dialysis center social worker. I really appreciate everyone's help!

I'm new to this community but wanted to share something that might help your dad's situation. My elderly neighbor went through a similar experience with dialysis and financial struggles. One thing that really helped her was applying for the Low Income Subsidy (LIS) program through Medicare - it's different from the Extra Help program others mentioned and can cover almost all prescription drug costs. Also, many dialysis centers have their own financial assistance funds that patients don't know about. It's worth asking the billing department directly about hardship programs or charity care options. The American Kidney Fund also has emergency financial assistance grants specifically for dialysis patients - they helped my neighbor with several months of treatment costs when she was struggling. Wishing your father the best during this difficult time.