Since March 2016 I've being on social security retirement benefits $1,127. I would like to switch to social security disability benefits. I keep having a relapse of severe back pain; back injury from job. I have Medicare part A but not part B. I can't afford part B
I'm single, income is below maximum povertyQuestions:
1) how do I switch to ssdi benefits from social security retirement benefits? and
2) Is there a delay in payment between the two benefits? What frightens me is they might stop my retirement benefits a couple of months earlier before they actually send out my first ssdi. Do they stop my retirement check as soon as they receive the forms for ssdi or is the transition smooth? I live soley on my retirement check, so if I have to go a month w/out any money in my account then I'm afraid I will be evicted and homeless
Question two is what gives me angst. Thank you in advance for your information
Lilliane
Hi,
You can't qualify for Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits after you reach full retirement age (FRA), so if you became disabled at age 66 or later there would likely be no reason to apply for SSDI. However, if you could qualify for SSDI prior to FRA, it would raise your benefit rate by 5/9ths of 1% for each month that you are entitled to SSDI prior to FRA.
In order to become entitled to SSDI you would need to file an application and be approved. You can make an appointment to file by calling 1-800-772-1213. If you do qualify for SSDI, there would be no interruption in your benefits. Your retirement rate would simply convert to the higher SSDI rate effective with your first month of SSDI entitlement.
It's troublesome that you feel that you can't afford Part B Medicare coverage. That's the part that pays for doctor visits and outpatient care, so you won't have coverage for those things if and when you need them. You could sign up for Part B later, but your premium rate will increase by 10% for each year that you defer signing up for Part B (https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/). In other words, the cost of coverage will continue to get higher the longer you wait to sign up.
Best, Jerry
