What Happens When You Apply for Social Security Disability After Retirement?

When you reach retirement age (typically 66 or 67, depending on your birth year), you become eligible for Social Security retirement benefits. However, if you become disabled after this point, you might be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits as well, depending on your situation.

Disability and Social Security Retirement Benefits:

Once you begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits, you are no longer able to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits because SSDI is designed for people who are under full retirement age and unable to work due to a disability. However, if you become disabled before reaching full retirement age, you can still apply for SSDI benefits, and the process will be similar to applying before you retired.

But what if you’re already receiving Social Security retirement benefits and become disabled?

Transitioning from Social Security Retirement to Disability Benefits:

If you’ve already started receiving Social Security retirement benefits but later become disabled, you can ask the Social Security Administration (SSA) to reclassify your retirement benefits as disability benefits. In many cases, you may not need to go through the full SSDI application process. Here’s why:

• Disability benefits are based on the same work history: SSDI is a continuation of retirement benefits, so if you’re already collecting retirement benefits, the SSA will look at your work history and the amount you’ve paid into Social Security. If you were eligible for SSDI at the time you retired, your retirement benefits can be switched to disability benefits.
• No need for a new application: You generally don’t need to file a new application for SSDI. The SSA will automatically change your benefit type from retirement to disability once they determine that you meet the criteria for disability.
• Full retirement benefits still apply: If you start receiving disability benefits before you reach full retirement age, the amount you receive will be the same as the amount you would have received if you had applied for SSDI before retirement.

Eligibility for Social Security Disability After Retirement:

To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits after retirement age, the SSA must determine that your disability began before your full retirement age. Here’s what the SSA looks at:

• Your disability must meet the SSA’s criteria: Your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial gainful work, and it must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
• You must have enough work credits: Just like regular SSDI applicants, you must have earned enough work credits through your employment history. If you’ve worked for enough years and paid into the Social Security system, you could still qualify for disability benefits even if you’ve started receiving retirement benefits.

The Impact of Your Age on the Application Process:

The process of applying for disability benefits after retirement can be easier for individuals close to full retirement age. The reason is that the SSA makes it easier to qualify for benefits in the closer to retirement years. As you approach full retirement age (typically between 66 and 67), the SSA often assumes that it’s harder to adjust to new work roles due to your age, which may make it easier for you to meet the disability criteria.

However, the key factor in determining eligibility is when your disability began. You’ll need to prove that your disability started before you reached full retirement age.

How Disability Benefits Are Calculated After Retirement:

If the SSA approves your claim for disability benefits after retirement, your monthly benefits will typically remain the same as they were for retirement benefits. There’s no need for you to reapply for a new benefit amount unless your condition is severe and you’re unable to continue working.

If You Are Denied Disability Benefits After Retirement:

If the SSA denies your claim for disability benefits after you’ve already started receiving Social Security retirement benefits, you can appeal the decision. This process may require you to submit additional medical evidence to support your claim. A disability lawyer or advocate can help you navigate this process and improve your chances of a successful appeal.

What to Do if You’re Considering Disability Benefits After Retirement:

If you find yourself in this situation, here are a few steps to take:

• Review your current Social Security status: Make sure you’re aware of the benefits you’re receiving and whether you may be eligible for disability benefits based on your work history.
• Gather medical evidence: Just as you would for an initial SSDI application, gather all relevant medical records, doctor’s opinions, and any other evidence that can demonstrate the severity of your condition.
• Contact the SSA: Reach out to the SSA to inquire about the process of switching from retirement to disability benefits and to confirm your eligibility.
• Consider consulting a Social Security attorney: If you’re unsure about your eligibility or have questions about the process, a Social Security attorney can provide guidance and assist with your claim.