I collected social security upon turning 62, and now I am 68 years old. I am a disable Veteran, and is classified Unemployability due to my disability. Can i switch to medical disabillity status and collect Social Security rating from my present status?

Hi,

No, Social Security doesn't pay disability benefits after you reach full retirement age (FRA). Social Security disability benefits are insurance against the loss of earning capacity occurring prior to full retirement age. People who qualify for disability benefits receive the equivalent of their full retirement age benefit amount paid early due to disability. Their benefits then convert to regular retirement benefits when they reach FRA.

If your FRA is age 66 and you take reduced retirement benefits at age 62, your full retirement age benefit amount is reduced by about 25%. If you receive all of your reduced retirement benefits from age 62 to 66, the 25% reduction becomes permanent. Disabilities that occur or continue after FRA are irrelevant as far as Social Security benefits are concerned.

Best, Jerry