Social Security Disability After Retirement: Are You Still Eligible?

The answer to that question depends on whether you’ve taken early retirement or have reached your full retirement age (FRA). At The Keener Law Firm, we’ve been helping people answer this and other complex questions for years, and our goal is always to ensure that our clients receive the full benefits they’ve earned through their work history. Let’s break this down clearly so you can make informed decisions.

Can I Apply For SSDI If I’ve Already Reached My Full Retirement Age?

No, once you reach full retirement age (FRA), you cannot receive SSDI benefits because you’re already receiving the equivalent amount through Social Security retirement benefits.

Here’s why: SSDI and Social Security retirement benefits are based on the same earnings record and are calculated using the same formula. When you reach your full retirement age—currently between 66 and 67, depending on your birth year—your SSDI eligibility ends, and your benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits. The amount remains the same; it’s just being paid under a different category.

So, if you’ve already hit your FRA and are drawing retirement benefits, there’s no separate SSDI benefit you can apply for. At that point, it’s all the same to the Social Security Administration (SSA). But things are different if you have not reached full retirement age yet.

What If I Took Early Retirement—Can I Still Apply For SSDI?

Yes, if you took early retirement and are under your full retirement age, you can still apply for SSDI.

This is where things get interesting and where the decision can have real financial consequences. People often assume that if their health takes a turn in their early 60s, early retirement is their only option. But that’s not necessarily true—and it’s often not the best option. Early retirement benefits are permanently reduced. Depending on your birth year, retiring at age 62 could reduce your monthly benefit by up to 30%.

However, if your health condition meets the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability, you may qualify for SSDI instead. SSDI pays the same monthly amount as your full retirement benefit. That means you avoid the reduction that comes with early retirement.  But only until you reach your full retirement age.

Unfortunately, if you claimed early retirement before you applied for and were granted SSDI, then your benefit may revert to the lower benefit amount once you reach your FRA because your early retirement claim then becomes determinative. If you can demonstrate that your disability onset date predated your early retirement claim, a skilled and experienced Social Security Disability attorney may be able to convince SSA to acknowledge the disability claim as controlling.

Often, people don’t realize that applying for SSDI after taking early retirement is possible. But it is—as long as you apply before reaching full retirement age and you meet the medical and work history requirements.

How Does Applying For SSDI After Early Retirement Work?

You can apply for SSDI after taking early retirement, but the timing matters. The Social Security Administration allows this because early retirement doesn’t disqualify you from being considered disabled.

If your application for SSDI is approved, the SSA will treat your case as if you had applied for disability instead of retirement. In other words, they will switch your status from early retiree to disabled worker. Your monthly benefit will be recalculated and increased to reflect your full retirement amount. This adjustment helps reverse the penalty for taking early retirement—but only going forward. The SSA won’t repay the difference for the months you already received reduced retirement benefits.

That’s why we encourage anyone considering early retirement for health reasons to speak with a disability attorney first. We can evaluate whether you might qualify for SSDI and help you apply before you lock yourself into a lower benefit for life.

Is It Better To Apply For SSDI Than To Take Early Retirement?

In most cases, yes—if you qualify for SSDI, it’s usually better to apply for it than to take early retirement.

The biggest reason is the difference in monthly benefit amounts. As we’ve mentioned, SSDI pays your full retirement benefit, while early retirement cuts that benefit permanently. Additionally, SSDI comes with other advantages. If you’re approved, you’ll become eligible for Medicare after 24 months of SSDI payments. You also get the benefit of disability protection, which may help with other insurance coverage and long-term care planning.

Choosing SSDI over early retirement also strengthens your financial position in the long term. Once you reach full retirement age, your SSDI simply transitions into retirement benefits at the full amount. No reductions. No penalties. Just the full value of the work you put in over your career.

What Do I Need To Qualify For SSDI If I’ve Already Retired Early?

To qualify for SSDI, even after early retirement, you must meet two main requirements: you must have a qualifying medical condition, and you must have enough work credits.

The medical condition must prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity and be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. This includes physical or mental impairments, and the SSA has a list of recognized conditions, though you can still qualify even if your condition isn’t listed—as long as it severely limits your ability to work.

You also need to have worked long enough and recently enough under Social Security to be eligible. Generally, this means having earned at least 20 work credits in the last 10 years, although younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.

At Keener Law, we review both your medical records and your earnings history to make sure your case is solid. Our attorneys have worked with thousands of clients across the country, and we understand what the SSA looks for. We’re committed to putting together the strongest case possible on your behalf.

Why Should I Talk To A Disability Lawyer About My Retirement Decision?

At The Keener Law Firm, we’ve dedicated our careers to helping people with disabilities get the benefits they’ve earned. We know the Social Security system inside and out, and we bring that deep knowledge to every case we take. Whether you’re in Georgia or across the country, we’re here to answer your questions, review your options, and represent you throughout the process. Making the wrong choice about retirement and disability benefits can cost you thousands of dollars over time. But the good news is, you don’t have to make that decision alone.

 Make the Right Choice Between Social Security or Disability

If your health is preventing you from working, and you’re thinking about early retirement—or if you’ve already retired and are wondering if SSDI is still on the table—reach out to us. At Keener Law, we’re not just attorneys. We’re advocates. We’ve spent decades working with disability claimants, and we know how to help you protect your income and your future. Call us today or fill out our contact form. Let’s talk about your situation and find out if you’re eligible for the benefits you deserve.