Getting Social Security disability and retirement benefits at the same time?
It is possible to apply for both retirement and disability benefits at the same time, however.
I can best explain with with an example. Let's take the case of an imaginary person, whom I will call Leon.
Leon is 62 years old. He is old enough to receive a reduced retirement benefit, so he applies and receives his benefit of $1,380 per month. He feels that he is also disabled. So, while he is receiving his retirement benefit, he files a disability application, which is approved 12 months later.
When Leon's disability application is approved, his payments are increased to his full retirement amount of $1,830 per month, even though he is only 63 years old. His reduced retirement benefit is increased because he will now get a disability benefit--which is not reduced because Leon isn't yet of full retirement age.
Basically, when a person is approved for disability benefits, Social Security pays him or her their full retirement benefit early. At the full retirement age of 66 or 67, the benefit does not increase; however, it will then be called a retirement benefit because of the beneficiary's age, and the check will come from the Retirement Trust Fund, not the Disability Trust Fund. The amount doesn't change, except for annual cost of living adjustments (COLA).
An early retirement benefit at age 62 is easy. You get it just by applying for it. Disability benefits are usually much harder; you have to fight for those.
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7027 Old Madison Pike, Suite 108
Huntsville, AL 35806
"Across from Bridge Street"
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