Social Security is a financial safety net meant to help those who can no longer work because of old age or disability. However, those two conditions are not mutually exclusive. Many retired people also suffer from a physical or mental disability, still needing disability benefits after retirement age. This raises the question; can you get Social Security disability and retirement benefits at the same time?
At Ryan Bisher Ryan Simons, our Social Security disability lawyers have almost 40 years of experience helping people navigate the complex Social Security benefits system. Contact our office today for a free consultation.
Can You Receive Social Security Disability and Retirement Benefits at the Same Time?
The short answer for most people is no. To better understand this issue, it’s helpful to know what different Social Security benefits are designed to do.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides benefits to working-age people who can no longer work because of a physical or mental disability. To qualify for SSDI, you have to earn a certain number of work credits (known as “quarters of coverage”), as well as meet the following criteria:
- Your disability must prevent you from continuing to work at your old job
- Your disability must prevent you from finding other work
- Your disability must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in your death
Social Security retirement benefits work differently. These benefits are available to anyone with the necessary work requirements from age 67 onward. Benefit start at age 62 years old if you elect to take early retirement, but the amount you receive in benefits is reduced.
In general, if you are approved for Social Security Disability (SSDI), the Social Security Administration (SSA) automatically switches you from SSDI benefits to traditional retirement benefits when you reach your full retirement age. This means most people cannot collect Social Security benefits and disability benefits at the same time.
Are There Any Exceptions in Which You Can Receive Both Disability and Retirement Benefits?
There are only two exceptions, and they’re both hard to obtain:
- Supplemental Security Income – The first exception is to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in addition to the standard retirement benefits. While SSI is not technically a disability benefit, those with disabilities may be entitled to it in certain circumstances. SSI benefits are based on your financial need, not whether you have a disability. If you meet the income standards, you may qualify for both benefits (but this is extremely rare).
- Early retirement – The second exception is to take early retirement and also apply for SSDI benefits. In this case, if you are approved for SSDI, your SSDI benefits could supplement your early retirement benefits bringing you up to the full benefits you’d receive if you waited to receive retirement benefits at your full retirement age. However, the sum of both your SSDI and early retirement benefits cannot go above the full amount for standard retirement benefits.
Contact a Social Security Disability Attorney in Oklahoma City, OK Today
The Social Security benefits system can be a bureaucratic nightmare, and it’s easy to get frustrated and discouraged when you’re in need. If you have questions about your Social Security benefits, contact the OKC Social Security disability attorneys at Ryan Bisher Ryan Simons today. You can reach us at our Oklahoma City office for a free initial consultation.
We are Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons, a legal firm that, for decades, has been fighting for the rights of hardworking Oklahoma residents. Our mission is to hold the powerful accountable.
