Hi Larry, I 60 years old. I have had a year of multiple lumber fractures. If or when I am cleared for work it I will be limited to reduced part-time at best. My income would be significantly reduced from the full time wages I would normally receive. Should I file for SSD then work part-time if possible? Will I receive FDA(?). Or benefits I would get a 62? Hoping for the best, expecting the worse. Thank you.

Hi,

Well, I can't see how it could hurt anything to apply for Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits. If you're approved you would be paid your full primary insurance amount (PIA), which is basically equal to the amount of your Social Security retirement benefit if you started drawing at full retirement age (FRA). That would be substantially more than what you'd get if you started drawing reduced Social Security retirement benefits at age 62. And, if your claim for SSDI benefits is disallowed you'd be no worse off than you are now.

If you're approved for SSDI and you return to work, how that work would affect your SSDI eligibility would depend on how much you are earning and how soon you return to work. Generally, as long as your earnings don't exceed the amount considered as substantial gainful activity (SGA), then your work won't affect your eligibility for SSDI benefits. The monthly SGA amount for 2019 is $1,220, but that amount is going up to $1.260 in 2020.

For more information about SSDI and applying for benefits, refer to the following Social Security website: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/.

Best, Jerry