SOCIAL SECURITY Q&A: Can you file for Social Security and disability?

Q. Can a person file for both Social Security retirement and disability benefits at age 62? Due to health, I have not worked for about a year and will soon reach age 62.

A. You have several Social Security options. You can file on your record just for Social Security disability, just for retirement or for both.

You can file for Social Security disability now if unable to work due to health. Social Security disability requirements are strict, so the application may not be approved. If approved, disability amounts are computed as if you are already at full retirement age. The result is a higher benefit compared to a reduced retirement amount. Also, if receiving disability you become eligible for Medicare coverage after two years, even though you would be younger than the usual Medicare age of 65.

You can file for Social Security reduced retirement at age 62. Retirement benefits are easy to start. Essentially, you need to establish your age and have enough work to be eligible. If already receiving Social Security disability, there is no advantage to filing for Social Security retirement for the reasons noted above.

Another option is to apply for both Social Security disability and reduced retirement. Starting retirement would provide income while the disability decision was pending or during the disability waiting period. If found eligible for disability, the total benefit amount would increase to approximately your full retirement age lowered for the number of months retirement benefits were received before becoming eligible for disability. If disability is not approved, your retirement benefit continues as is. This is usually not an option when a person is already at or past full retirement age.

Applications for Social Security retirement and disability can be completed online. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Q. Will my own Social Security amount be lower if someone else receives benefits through my record?

A. No. Your own amount is the same whether or not anyone else receives through your record.

Kossover is the Social Security public affairs specialist for North Dakota and western Minnesota. Reach him at howard.kossover@ssa.gov. Read his blog at socialsecurityinfo.areavoices.com.

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