Can You Receive Social Security Disability Benefits After Retirement?
Many individuals wonder whether they can still receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits after they have retired. The answer to this question depends on your retirement age and when you applied for SSDI.
Understanding SSDI and Retirement Benefits
It is a common misconception that there are two separate Social Security benefits—one for disability and another for retirement. In reality, Social Security is a system that provides both disability and retirement benefits. If you are over your full retirement age (FRA), you will not receive additional disability benefits. Instead, you will receive your full retirement benefits. If you have been receiving reduced retirement benefits before your FRA, your SSDI benefits, if approved, may be adjusted upwards to equal your full retirement benefit.
Before Full Retirement Age
If you are under your full retirement age and are receiving early reduced retirement benefits, you are eligible to apply for SSDI. If your SSDI application is approved, your benefit will be increased to the amount of your full Social Security retirement benefit. This means that if you became disabled before your full retirement age, you may qualify for a higher benefit than the reduced retirement benefits you were receiving early on.
Real-Life Examples
There are many instances where individuals have successfully received SSDI benefits after retiring. For example, many tradespeople, including my brother, applied for and received disability benefits after retiring. My brother, for instance, received benefits at the age of 60, while my other friends received benefits at the ages of 58, 60, and 62. These examples show that it is indeed possible to receive SSDI benefits even after retiring, provided that you meet certain eligibility criteria.
Eligibility Criteria for Disability Benefits
In addition to the eligibility exception for certain conditions like Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), there are specific requirements to qualify for disability benefits. Generally, you must have worked enough to earn Social Security credits. To be insured for disability, you need to have earned credits in 5 out of the 10 years before you became disabled. If there is an extended break between when you retired and when you became disabled, you may not be eligible for disability benefits, even if you are still eligible for retirement benefits.
FAQ
Q: Can I receive SSDI benefits after my full retirement age?
No. Once you reach your full retirement age, you will no longer receive additional disability benefits. Instead, you will continue to receive your full retirement benefit. If you applied for SSDI benefits before your FRA, and your application is approved, your benefit will be increased to the amount of your full retirement benefit.
Q: How long after becoming disabled do I need to wait to receive disability benefits?
There is a five-month waiting period from the date your disability began before you can receive disability benefits. This means that if you apply for SSDI benefits today, you will not receive any payments until after five months, as long as your disability began within the last five months.