You are not quite old enough to apply for retirement benefits in Missouri, but a recent debilitating accident at work left you wondering if you are too old to apply for Social Security disability benefits instead of retirement benefits.
New Castle News asked and answered some questions you may have about your current predicament. See if you can gain clarity and understand how best to move forward.
Should you file for disability after filing for retirement?
Perhaps you have already filed for SS retirement but have some expensive health complications. While you can apply for SSD, you may find the disability benefits are not much more than your retirement benefits. This is especially true if you have received retirement benefits for a while.
Can you apply for retirement after receiving disability benefits?
Maybe you have received disability benefits and are on the cusp of retirement age. Does it make sense for you to apply for retirement benefits? Once you reach the age of retirement, your disability benefits become retirement benefits, but in name only; you still receive the same benefit amount.
Should you apply for disability instead of retirement?
A recent work injury left you disabled just as you planned on applying for retirement benefits. In this case, it makes sense for you to apply for retirement benefits and disability benefits simultaneously. That way, you can at least start receiving retirement benefits while waiting on the results of your disability application. If approved for disability, you will receive full disability benefits rather than partial retirement benefits, minus any retirement benefits already received.
This information is only intended to educate and should not be interpreted as legal advice.
