Ask Larry

Can I Apply For Disability Benefits At Age 68?

I am 68 years old now. I filed for social security at age 62. I returned to work 5 years later to a full time job and is currently working. I'm still receiving social security. I have rheumatoid arthritis and there's a strong possibility that I may not be able to work much longer. I would like to know if I become totally disabled and unable to work, can I apply for social security disability? Would my social security payments change from regular payments to disability payments? Would I even qualify for disability payments.

Hi,

No, you are too old to apply for Social Security disability benefits. Social Security disability benefits are essentially just full retirement age benefits paid early because a person can no longer work. Once a person reaches full retirement age, there is no difference in the potential monthly rate payable, and thus no advantage to being determined disabled.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Jul 20 2016 - 2:30pm
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