Ask Larry

Can I Also Receive Social Security If I'm On Disability?

I am 59 I am on Disability. Can I receive Social security.

Hi,

Well, assuming you mean that you're receiving Social Security disability benefits (SSDI), then you're already drawing your Social Security benefits. Qualifying for SSDI benefits essentially simply permits you to draw your full retirement age benefit rate sooner than when you actually reach full retirement age (FRA). SSDI benefits then automatically convert to regular Social Security retirement benefits at the same rate when the recipient reaches FRA.

You can't receive both SSDI and regular Social Security retirement benefits at the same time. But, if you're receiving some type of disability benefit other than SSDI, then you may also qualify for reduced Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62, or SSDI benefits sooner than that if you meet the requirements (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.05/handbook-0501.html). It's also possible for people receiving SSDI to qualify for other Social Security benefits, such as disabled widow(er) benefits.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Aug 18 2018 - 1:32pm
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