HI Jerry
I no longer work due to my company downsizing and offering a voluntary severance package for the next 70 weeks. I'm 62 years old and now disabled. Am I eligible to receive social security disability while I get the severance package.
Thanks for your help

Hi,

Potentially, yes. Receipt of severance pay, sick pay or disability payments from your former employer would not preclude you from qualifying for Social Security disability benefits (SSDI) as long as you've stopped working.

In order to qualify for SSDI benefits, though, Social Security will need to establish that you are disabled according to their definition and standards. And, there is a 5 month waiting period involved, so your SSDI benefits likely couldn't be paid until you've been off of work for at least that long. It may be a good idea to file as soon as possible, though, because the SSDI determinations process can be lengthy.

For more information on applying for SSDI, refer to Social Security's website: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/. You may also want to consider using our maximization software to explore and compare your non-disability related Social Security filing options.

Best, Jerry