I am 76 years old. I receive Social Security ($2267) and a pension ($1116) a month. I have peripheral neuropathy which caused the bones in my foot to collapse creating an open wound in the arch of my foot. this happened 6 years ago. It will not heal. The last time I was able to work was 2017. I struggle standing and walking. My job paid into Social Security for over 30 years. Would I qualify for Social Security Disability? Thank you.

Hi,

I'm sorry to hear about your health problems, but the answer to your question is no you couldn't qualify for Social Security disability benefits (SSDI). No one who is at or past their full retirement age (FRA) can qualify for SSDI benefits. Qualifying for SSDI benefits essentially just entitles a person to start receiving the equivalent of their unreduced Social Security retirement benefit at an earlier age. Once a person reaches FRA, they can no longer qualify for SSDI benefits because at that point in time they can qualify for their regular unreduced Social Security retirement benefits regardless of whether or not they are disabled. In fact, if a person qualifies for SSDI prior to reaching FRA, their SSDI benefits convert to regular Social Security retirement benefits effective with the month that they reach FRA.

Best, Jerry