If you are close to or over the age of 62 and become disabled and unable to work, you may be tempted to simply forget about applying for Social Security Disability ("SSD") benefits and instead just take early Social Security Retirement benefits. However, you can maximize your benefits later on if you successfully pursue the SSD benefit.
SSD benefits are calculated to approximate the amount of money you would receive as your full retirement benefit. Your full retirement benefits are usually much higher than the amount of your early retirement benefit - often by 30% or more. If you are approved for SSD benefits, you will become "fully insured" for retirement benefits and be paid your entire benefit (the extra 30%) when you reach full retirement age. Over many years, the money can really add up if you pursue SSD benefits instead of early retirement.
Even if you are currently receiving early retirement benefits, you can still file for SSD benefits if you are under the age of 65. If your claim is approved, you will receive back pay for the amount of the difference between the two benefits.
REMEMBER: EVEN AFTER THE AGE OF 62, CONSIDER APPLYING FOR SSD BENEFITS IF YOU ARE NO LONGER ABLE TO WORK. A SUCCESSFUL CLAIM COULD MEAN EXTRA BENEFITS FOR YOU IN THE FUTURE.
Copyright (c) 2008 by John V. Tucker and Tucker & Ludin, P.A. All rights reserved. For assistance with your Long Term Disability claim, ERISA Disability benefit claim, Social Security Disability claim, or Veterans Disability compensation or pension claim, call Disability Lawyer John Tucker at (866) 282-5260.
SSD benefits are calculated to approximate the amount of money you would receive as your full retirement benefit. Your full retirement benefits are usually much higher than the amount of your early retirement benefit - often by 30% or more. If you are approved for SSD benefits, you will become "fully insured" for retirement benefits and be paid your entire benefit (the extra 30%) when you reach full retirement age. Over many years, the money can really add up if you pursue SSD benefits instead of early retirement.
Even if you are currently receiving early retirement benefits, you can still file for SSD benefits if you are under the age of 65. If your claim is approved, you will receive back pay for the amount of the difference between the two benefits.
REMEMBER: EVEN AFTER THE AGE OF 62, CONSIDER APPLYING FOR SSD BENEFITS IF YOU ARE NO LONGER ABLE TO WORK. A SUCCESSFUL CLAIM COULD MEAN EXTRA BENEFITS FOR YOU IN THE FUTURE.
Copyright (c) 2008 by John V. Tucker and Tucker & Ludin, P.A. All rights reserved. For assistance with your Long Term Disability claim, ERISA Disability benefit claim, Social Security Disability claim, or Veterans Disability compensation or pension claim, call Disability Lawyer John Tucker at (866) 282-5260.
