Understanding Disability Benefits Post Retirement Age

Many people wonder if they can continue to receive disability benefits after reaching retirement age. The answer depends on several factors, particularly whether one is at or past the Full Retirement Age (FRA).

Disability vs. Retirement Benefits

After retiring, individuals receive Social Security retirement benefits. These benefits are separate from disability benefits, although they are both part of the Social Security program. It's important to note that once you reach full retirement age, you have access to your full Social Security retirement benefit.

A common misconception is that there is a separate Social Security benefit for disability and another for retirement. In reality, you can only receive one or the other, depending on your eligibility and circumstances. However, before reaching the full retirement age, you may still apply for Disability Insurance (SSDI) if you are deemed eligible.

Eligibility for Disability Benefits Before Full Retirement Age

Individuals who meet the eligibility criteria and are under full retirement age can still apply for Disability Insurance (SSDI). If approved, your SSDI benefits will be adjusted to match the amount of your full retirement benefit once you do reach the full retirement age. This means that disability benefits are typically higher than the reduced retirement benefits you would receive before reaching full retirement age.

Application and Qualifications

To be eligible for disability benefits, you need to have earned a certain number of work credits. These credits are earned over a 10-year period, and you need to have credits from at least 5 of those years preceding the time when you became disabled.

There are a few special exceptions:

Adult Degenerative Lloyd’s Disease (ALS) or a Prior Period of Disability: Individuals in these categories might be eligible for disability benefits immediately or with a shorter five-month waiting period. Conditional Insurability: For other conditions, there is a five-month waiting period from the date your disability began before you can receive benefits.

It's crucial to note that to even apply for disability benefits, you must have earned credits within a 10-year period ending in the year you become disabled, unless you have certain specific conditions.

Furthermore, if there is a significant break between the time you "retired" and when you became disabled, you may not be eligible for disability benefits even if you are eligible for retirement benefits.

Personal Experiences and Observations

Many people within the trade, including family members, have successfully applied for disability benefits after retiring. Age is a significant factor in this application process. For example, my brother applied for disability at 60, while other friends applied at 58, 60, and 62. Disappointingly, I am not aware of anyone who applied for disability benefits at full retirement age.

It is important to remember that even if you are approaching or at full retirement age, you can still apply for disability benefits if your disability began well before that time.

For detailed information and to discuss your specific situation, it is advisable to contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) for personalized guidance.

Conclusion

Disability benefits and retirement benefits are distinct programs within the Social Security system. While you can no longer receive disability benefits after full retirement age, disability benefits can be received before the FRA, provided you meet the eligibility criteria. Understanding these rules can help you plan for your financial future and ensure you protect your benefits accordingly.