Ask Larry

Is My Full Retirement Benefit The Same Amount As My Disability Payment?

I currently receive social security disability and Worker's Comp. When i turn 62 I've been told that my supplement WC income will cease (approx $1600/mo) AND social security will also be able to take an offset for the amount I receive in excess of 80% of my ACE - which basically means that I'll also loose my entire SS check too. That would leave me living on half the income I'm currently receiving. The only other option I have is to file for early retirement to receive benefits of 73.3% of the amount I'd be entitled to at full retirement age. My question is this - is my FULL retirement benefit the same amount as my current disability payment? So if I file for early retirement I'd get 73.3% of the check I'm currently getting for disability from social security

Hi,

Assuming that you are receiving your full disability benefit rate and no offsets or withholdings are involved, then yes your disability payment would essentially be the same as your full retirement age rate (PIA).

If your disability benefits will be offset at age 62 due to your Workers Compensation, you can opt to receive reduced retirement benefits instead. You'll need to file an application for retirement benefits in order to do that, though. The good news is that as long as you still technically qualify for disability benefits while you are receiving reduced retirement benefits, the age reduction in your benefit rate will only be temporary. If that's the case, your benefit rate would be adjusted up to your full retirement age rate (PIA) effective with the month you reach full retirement age.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Dec 5 2017 - 7:11am
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