[Grizabella]

I've asked the question in my title, but since people can still work after they retire, I wondered if they can apply after taking their retirement from Social Security. It's taken me till now to get a diagnosis, but I've had the condition since before I was 62.

[Janke]

You may be confusing SSI with SSDI.

SSI, Supplemental Security Income, is a low income program for the disabled and elderly. If you are under age 65, you have to be found disabled in order to qualify. If you are 65 or older, you can be healthy and strong and able to work and still get SSI IF you have limited income and resources. SSI helps the poor disabled and the poor elderly. If your income from other sources, like Social Security Retirement, pensions, worker's comp, VA, etc. and it is over the SSI limits in your state, you can't get SSI. If you have savings in the bank, IRA, 401k, non-home property, second car worth over $2000, you can't get SSI. This is a simplified explanation.

SSDI is Social Security Disability Insurance. The same program that pays your Social Security Retirement benefits. If you apply for early retirement Social Security, you get a permanent reduction. If you wait for full retirement age, currently age 66 and moving up) you have no reduction. You can apply for SSDI after age 62 even if you are on Social Security Retirement, but if you are over full retirement age AND there is no retroactivity in your disability claim, the issue is moot. Nothing will change. But, if you get SSDI at age 63 or 64 or 65, then there is no reduction for age.

SSA will probably see many more and more disability claims after age 62 since full retirement age is heading to age 68 and people will try to avoid reductions in monthly benefits.

[Grizabella]

So I guess the answer is "Yes, maybe." Right? Thank you for the information. I'm going to go see what the Social Security administration says.

[Janke]

You can apply for SSI at any age. You only qualify if you are found to be disabled or blind or over age 65 and have limited income and resources. You can be denied SSI for reasons other than medical conditions.

You should call 1-800-772-1213, make an appointment and file a claim. Then you get an official answer. The answer could be no, but at least you will have an official answer. If you are under age 65, you should also fill out the disability report online at socialsecurity.gov. If you are over 65, no proof of disability is needed for SSI unless you are a certain type of non-citizen. You will need proof of your income and resources and living arrangements as well.

You can also file for "DIB after RIB" by filing an SSDI claim if your onset of disability is before full retirement age, which is age 66. You will need to complete the disability report, preferably online.

[Grizabella]

Thank you Janke! I'm definitely going to look into this. I absolutely cannot work but I was told by someone who worked for Social Security that neuropathy falls through the cracks. You can be disabled, but it doesn't follow the criteria for disability. I've found that discouraging. But I should just go ahead and try it. There nothing ventured, nothing gained, as they say.

[echoes long ago]

that is absolutely untrue about neuropathy. there are many people on ssdi because of peripheral neuropathy and the limitations it puts on the ability to hold gainful employment. remember its the way it limits your ability to work and not the disease itself that is important in meeting the medical qualifications for ssdi.