Questions About Benefits
What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?
When will I receive my Social Security disability payment?
What is the amount of a monthly disability benefit payment?
Can I receive back payments or retroactive benefits?
How will the five-month waiting period for SSDI affect my benefits?
Are Social Security disability benefits taxable income?
Can a child receive SSI disability benefits?
What are the income and asset limits for SSI?
If you have additional questions that are not addressed here, you may ask them by Leaving a Comment below, and we will try to answer them as we are able. Any answers are for informational purposes only; they do not constitute legal advice and do not establish an attorney-client relationship.
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The information on this website does not constitute legal advice. Use of this website, including the contact form or comments form, does not establish an attorney-client relationship. In Florida, Brendan Conley practices Social Security disability law exclusively. Attorney charges no fee unless your case is successful; clients may be responsible for their own costs, such as medical costs. Copyright Brendan Conley 2013-2024. Colorado: 1400 16th St. Ste. 400, Denver, CO 80202. Phone: 720-738-1737. Fax: 720-513-9654. D.C./Virginia: 4250 Fairfax Dr. Ste. 600, Arlington, Virginia 22203. Phone: 703-485-4094. Fax: 703-343-9208. Florida: 7320 E. Fletcher Ave. Tampa, FL 33637. Phone: 813-444-2889. Fax: 813-492-2926.
I am 49 years old, I have been disabled and on SSDI since 2004. My disease is not going to allow me to work again. Can I get an increase in benefits if I take early Social Security? I am receiving $1066.00/ month.
Unfortunately, no. If you are already receiving SSDI, then you are receiving your maximum benefit. Upon reaching full retirement age, your disability benefits will automatically become retirement benefits, in the same amount. You cannot take early retirement benefits at age 62 (and it would not result in increased benefits anyway). More on this here.
I will be 62 July 1. I have applied for Disability benefits. It is now in the post hearing review stage. Waiting for the Judges decision. My question is that I am entitled to SS benefits at 62. I know this is early retirement. In addition, I was married for 28 years.and now divorced. I understand I can apply for former spousal benefits as well. Can you please explain how my monthly dollar amount is calculated using these 3 variables. I am very confused!
I can give you an overview. First, there are the benefits on your own record. If you are approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, then you will receive your full benefit amount, which is similar to your full retirement amount. If you’re receiving SSDI, then when you reach full retirement age, your SSDI converts into retirement benefits in the same amount.
Retirement benefits can be claimed as early as age 62, at a reduced amount. Or, you can wait until your full retirement age, and get your full amount. Or, you can wait as late as age 70, and get an even higher amount. This applies if you do not get SSDI, and you can also apply for early retirement while you are waiting for the SSDI decision. Then if you are granted the SSDI, you’ll get your full benefit amount and won’t get penalized for taking the early retirement.
The best way to find out these amounts for you individually is to create or log in to a My Social Security account.
You can also apply for divorced spouse benefits, and if the amount you would receive as a divorced spouse is higher than the amount you are entitled to under your own record (whether retirement or disability), then you’ll receive the higher amount, not both. As a divorced spouse, you would be entitled to half of your ex-spouse’s full benefit amount, at your full retirement age. (You can also claim divorced spouse benefits as early as age 62, for a reduced amount.) Social Security won’t reveal your ex-spouse’s primary benefit amount to you, so the only way to find that out is to ask your ex-spouse, or apply for the divorced spouse’s benefits.