Switching from Early Retirement to Disability

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1. Can I Switch from Early Retirement to Disability Benefits?

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

February 02, 2025

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

Can I Switch from Early Retirement to Disability Benefits?

Navigating the world of Social Security benefits can be confusing, especially when it comes to understanding how and when you might qualify for different types of benefits. One of the most common questions that people ask is whether they can switch from early retirement benefits to disability benefits. This is an important issue for those who may have initially opted for early retirement but later find themselves unable to work due to a disability. 

In this blog post we will discuss whether this switch is possible and how you can manage the process.

Understanding the Basics

To start, you must understand the difference between Early Social Security Retirement Benefits and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Early Social Security retirement benefits are paid to individuals who have reached the minimum early retirement age (usually 62 and older) and have worked a certain number of years, contributing to Social Security taxes. These benefits are designed to replace a portion of your income when you retire.

On the other hand, SSDI is a program that provides benefits to individuals who are unable to work due to a qualifying disability. You must meet certain criteria, such as having a sufficient work history and a disability that prevents you from working for at least a year or is expected to result in death.

Can You Switch from Early Retirement to Disability Benefits?

If you are already receiving early retirement benefits and become disabled, you might wonder whether you can switch to disability benefits. It is possible you can potentially switch from early retirement to disability benefits, but there are a few things to consider.

First, if you are already receiving early retirement benefits, you may be able to apply for Social Security Disability benefits to replace your current early retirement benefits. However, this depends on your specific circumstances, including your age and the timing of your disability.

Eligibility for Disability Benefits

If you are under full retirement age (which is between 66 and 67 depending on your birth year) when you become disabled, you may be eligible to apply for SSDI benefits. If you qualify, your disability benefits will be calculated based on your pre-disability earnings, and they will typically be higher than your early retirement benefits. This could result in an increase in your monthly payments.

However, once you reach full retirement age, your Social Security disability benefits and retirement benefits are treated the same. At that point, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will automatically convert your disability benefits to retirement benefits, and there will be no difference in the amount you receive. So, if you are already receiving retirement benefits when you become disabled after reaching full retirement age, there is no need to switch, as the SSA will handle the conversion for you.

How to Switch from Early Retirement to Disability Benefits

To switch from early retirement to disability benefits, you will need to apply for SSDI. The process involves submitting a claim with the SSA and providing detailed medical evidence to support your claim. This includes doctor’s reports, test results and other documentation that proves you are unable to work due to a disability.

If your application is approved, your early retirement benefits will be suspended, and you will begin receiving disability benefits. In some cases, this could result in higher monthly payments if your disability benefits are calculated based on a higher income level than your early retirement benefits.

Consult with a Disability Lawyer

Switching from early retirement to disability benefits can be a complex process, and mistakes can lead to delays or denials. Consulting with an experienced disability attorney can help guide you through the application process, ensure you meet all eligibility requirements and advocate on your behalf if any issues arise.

While it is possible to switch from early retirement to disability benefits under certain circumstances, the specifics depend on your age, work history and the nature of your disability. 

If you are considering applying for disability benefits, contact the SSD lawyers of Berger and Green for a free case evaluation.