Can You Collect Social Security Retirement and Disability at the Same Time?
Sometimes, you might find yourself in a situation where you fall on hard times and need some extra income. To collect Social Security disability payments, you need to be deemed unable to work by the Social Security Administration (SSA). While collecting these benefits is definitely possible in limited situations, it may be difficult for you.
Many people today want to work longer because of the economic hardships they have been experiencing. They realize that their Social Security retirement and disability income might not last them as long as they would like it to, so they want to collect both forms of income at the same time.
Social Security Retirement is a program that provides replacement income for qualified retirees and their families. An individual can apply for this benefit as soon as they reach the age of retirement. This process involves filling out an application and submitting copies of all documentation and required forms.
The SSDI application process can be a long and arduous journey. You need to gather all of the documents needed for your application, such as medical statements and signed applications, and submit them to the Social Security Administration.
Social Security Retirement Benefits
It is commonly understood that one cannot collect both Social Security retirement and disability benefits at the same time. The truth is, it is possible to do so in limited circumstances. There are specific conditions and guidelines that must be met in order to receive the two types of benefits at the same time.
When you apply for benefits, the retirement benefits application process generally follows the following steps, whether you apply online, by phone, or in person:
- Gather relevant information and documents
- Complete and submit your application accurately and honestly
- The SSA will review your application and follow-up with questions if they need more information
- You will receive a decision letter
- You may, if approved, begin to receive retirement benefits.
You generally cannot receive retirement and disability benefits at the same time. The only exception is for those who obtained early Social Security retirement benefits. Early retirement is possible at age 62. In some cases, people can take less than a full monthly retirement benefit for a period of time due to early retirement.
They can then be approved for disability benefits. If your disability is found to have begun before your full age of retirement, it will pay the difference between the early retirement amount and the full disability amount for those months the individual was disabled but receiving early retirement benefits.
For example, say you quit work because of health problems, started to collect early retirement benefits for a time, and then applied for and got approved for disability benefits. A person could collect Social Security Retirement and Disability Benefits simultaneously, if they meet the other eligibility requirements. However, those collecting both types of benefits may find themselves facing additional challenges as they transition from one benefit program to the other.
How to Retire With Financial Support
So if you are looking for a retirement plan that will allow you to live the rest of your life with a payout, consider Social Security. It is one of the most popular and reliable sources of income in America.
Social Security is composed of two parts: Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) and Disability Insurance (DI). For most people their OASI benefits are higher than their DI benefits, which is why it’s crucial for individuals to know how much they might be eligible for before retirement.
Social Security is one of the most important things you need to plan for in retirement. By making sure you have a plan for it, you can know exactly how much of your income will be covered by it.
Social Security retirement benefits allow people to retire with a reliable source of income. If you are unable to work because of a disability, Social Security may be able to provide you with other benefits. The SSA provides financial resources to those in need, including things like Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Social Security Retirement Benefits.
Contact an experienced San Antonio disability attorney to see if you qualify for these benefits and to discuss your options.