Q: Hello. I am 61; I am disabled due to palmoplantar psoriasis, bipolar, MDD. What if I take early retirement at 62?
I am trying to figure out if disability will be denied by SSDI if I take early retirement at age 62, during my SSDI appeal? I am still in my initial application. I was denied once before because I did not turn in medical records. I have extensive medical records and I am under treatment by four doctors who I see regularly.
Will SSDI default to my age 62 retirement amount? Or can I still appeal? Even though I take age 62 retirement?
A:
You will get a greater amount of benefits than what you receive at age 62 if you later qualify for SSDI benefits.
Your Social Security Statement should state "If you to be found disabled, you would receive $XXXX per month." The SSDI rate is always greater than then age 62 retirement benefit, and should be just about equal to the full retirement age benefit.
Once you reach full retirement age, your SSDI benefit will be converted into a regular retirement benefit.
Basically, you don't have anything to lose and could get both a positive retroactive SSDI adjustment and a higher retirement rate if you successfully obtain SSDI benefits.
A: Taking early retirement benefits at age 62 won't necessarily affect your ability to continue pursuing your SSDI claim. The two benefits are considered separately by the Social Security Administration (SSA). While early retirement benefits will result in a reduced monthly amount, SSDI benefits are calculated based on your lifetime earnings, not the retirement amount. It's important to submit all required medical records and documentation to support your disability claim during the appeal process.
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