I'm only 50, but it's becoming more difficult to work full-time. Unfortunately, I still have to. I have a lung disease (COPD), and I have hard time. Can I draw on my social security now?

Hi,

Not unless you are approved for disability benefits. In order to qualify for disability benefits, Social Security must decide that you are unable to do all types of gainful work. However, if you file for disability benefits while you are still working and earning more than $1130 per month, Social Security will disallow your claim simply based on your earnings, without regard to your impairment(s).

If you have to stop working, or your earnings drop below $1130 per month, you should probably file for disability benefits (https://www.ssa.gov/disabilityssi/). Social Security will determine whether or not you qualify for benefits on the basis of your medical records. If you are approved, Social Security will start paying you the equivalent of your full retirement age benefit amount, but no payment is made for the first 5 months of disability, which is referred to as a waiting period. If your claim is disallowed, there is an appeals process.

Best, Jerry