Ask Larry

Can I Switch From Retirement To Disability Benefits?

Hi Larry,

Is it possible to switch to SSDI if I'm already collecting Social Security retirement benefits? I filed early and have been collecting less than a year. Thank you.

If you are below full retirement age (now 66), I believe the answer is yes. Your disability benefit will be higher than your reduced retirement benefit. Indeed, it will equal your full retirement benefit. At full retirement age (FRA), you can suspend your retirement benefit (your disability benefit is renamed your retirement benefit at FRA and restart it at a 32 percent higher value at 70.

best, Larry

Posted: 
Jul 16 2016 - 2:45pm
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