Ask Larry

Can I Apply For Disability At Age 80?

I am 80 and i retired on ss now i wondering if i cam apply for disability

Hi,

No, you couldn't file for Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits because you're over full retirement age (FRA). SSDI benefits can't be paid after a person reaches FRA because SSDI benefits are basically just an alternative to regular Social Security retirement benefits. The difference is that SSDI benefits can be paid sooner than regular retirement benefits. In other words, qualifying for SSDI simply allows you to start drawing your Social Security retirement benefits at an earlier age.

You can't be paid both SSDI benefits and Social Security retirement benefits at the same time. SSDI benefits convert to regular Social Security retirement benefits at the same benefit rate when a person reaches FRA. Therefore, if you become disabled after reaching FRA it wouldn't affect your benefit rate.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Jun 26 2020 - 3:31pm
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