Is there such a thing as a disability freeze? It seems there used to be, but I can’t find anyway to apply for it.

Hi,

Yes, there is such a thing as a disability freeze. In order to establish a disability freeze, you must meet the same basic requirements as you would to qualify for Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits. And, if you apply for SSDI benefits you're also filing for a disability freeze as well.

It's possible to qualify for a disability freeze without also qualifying for SSDI benefits, but only under rare circumstances. Those include statutorily blind persons who are able to engage in substantial gainful activity, and people whose eligibility for a period of disability is based on railroad earnings or military service not creditable for Social Security benefit purposes (https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0410105005).

You can file for SSDI benefits online at Social Security's website, but you would need to call or visit a Social Security office to file just for a disability freeze.

Best, Jerry