Filing for Retirement Benefits While Awaiting SSDI Approval

We have a client who filed for SSDI and is waiting on the application.  I wasn’t sure, but she can file for retirement benefits while waiting correct?  And then if she’s approved, they will bump her up to the higher SSDI benefit, correct?

Yes, a client who is age 62 or older and has filed for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can also file for reduced retirement benefits while waiting for the decision on their disability claim. If the SSDI application is approved, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will adjust the benefits retroactively. This adjustment removes the reduction applied to the retirement benefit for all months that the disability payment covers. Essentially, the client will receive the higher SSDI benefit from the time they were first eligible, and the reduction for taking early retirement will be removed.

However, if the SSDI application is denied, the client will remain on the reduced retirement benefit they initially claimed. It's important to note that the decision to file for reduced retirement benefits while awaiting an SSDI determination should be carefully considered, as it could have long-term implications if the SSDI claim is ultimately denied.

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