Hi Larry, I will be 60 in January and I am considering applying for disability, which is supported by my doctor, however I am not sure what happens to my social security if I qualify for disability at age 60. Do I still have to wait until 62 to claim social security at a reduced benefit?

Hi,

Disability benefits (SSDI) are essentially just your full Social Security retirement benefit paid early. You can't be paid both SSDI and retirement benefits simultaneously, so there's normally no reason to ever file for retirement benefits if you qualify for SSDI benefits before age 62. SSDI benefits convert to regular retirement benefits when the beneficiary reaches full retirement age (FRA). If you did switch from SSDI to retirement benefits before FRA, it would simply lower your monthly benefit rate.

Best, Jerry