Did you know that you can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) even if you’re collecting early retirement benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA)? It’s true. However, it can be a complicated process, which is why Second Chance Lawyer – Merryl Jones is here to shed some light on disability insurance eligibility and clarify questions you may have, like can you get SSI and Social Security retirement at the same time?
Here are all the ins and outs explained by one of Waco/Temple’s leading Social Security disability lawyers!
What if I’m Already Receiving Social Security Disability Insurance & Approaching Retirement Age?
For those already receiving SSDI, you are already receiving the full amount of benefits allowed. This means that when you reach full retirement age, these benefits will simply be converted into your retirement benefits and the amount will remain the same. Since you are already receiving your full amount of benefits, you don’t have to do anything once you reach full retirement age; the SSA automatically makes the change.
What if I Took Early Retirement Benefits & Still Want to Apply for SSDI?
If you’re currently receiving early retirement benefits, it’s possible to also apply for Social Security Disability Insurance and collect both until you reach your full retirement age. You can apply for early retirement benefits once you reach the age of 62. At this point, you can still apply and be approved for SSDI benefits and receive both. However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t mean you’ll receive twice the amount of benefits. It means that the combination of both will equal the amount you’ll receive once reaching full retirement age. This also means that you can begin collecting your full benefit amount earlier than if you didn’t apply for SSDI.
There are some important things to keep in mind when it comes to receiving both benefits and whether you can get SSI and Social Security retirement at the same time, such as:
If you began receiving Social Security disability benefits before early retirement from the SSA, as mentioned above, your benefits will stay the same as if you hadn’t taken early retirement benefits at all. As mentioned above, with SSDI you’ll already be receiving the full amount of benefits and they’ll be converted into retirement benefits when you reach full retirement age.
If you began receiving disability after taking early retirement, then you will receive your full disability amount much like you would if you were of full retirement age. However, it’s important to be aware that once you do reach full retirement age, based on the number of months you received early retirement benefits, the benefits you receive will be reduced accordingly.
If you need a Social Security disability lawyer, contact us today!
If you want to apply for SSDI or believe you’ve been wrongfully denied the benefits you deserve, Second Chance Lawyer – Merryl Jones can help you appeal your case.
Contact us online today or call (254) 275-6508 (Waco) or (254) 275-6508 (Temple) to learn more about whether you can get SSI and Social Security retirement at the same time.
FAQs
What is the difference between Social Security Disability and Social Security Retirement?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for people who can no longer work due to a qualifying disability before they reach retirement age. Social Security retirement benefits are for individuals who have reached retirement age and paid into the system during their working years. At Second Chance Lawyer, we help you understand which benefit fits your situation best.
Can I receive both Social Security Disability and Retirement benefits in Texas?
In most cases, you cannot collect both SSDI and Social Security Retirement benefits at the same time. When you reach full retirement age, your SSDI benefits automatically switch to Social Security Retirement benefits, usually at the same payment amount, with no gap in payments.
Should I apply for Social Security Disability or take early retirement in Texas?
Deciding between SSDI and early retirement depends on your health and financial needs. SSDI can provide full benefits if you qualify, while taking early retirement before your full retirement age can permanently lower your monthly benefit amount. Merryl Jones – Second Chance Lawyer can help you decide which option gives you the most security.
What happens to my disability benefits when I reach retirement age in Texas?
When you reach full retirement age, usually between 66 and 67, your SSDI benefits automatically convert to regular Social Security retirement benefits. The amount stays the same and you continue to receive monthly payments without interruption.
