Content Overview 
- Summary
- Check Eligibility Requirements
- Document Your Difficulties At Work
- Document How Your Health Conditions Affects Daily Living
- Get Your Medical Affairs In Order
- Prepare For A Period Without Income
- Consider At Least Speaking With A Lawyer Or Other Professional
- If You Are Between Age 62 And Full Retirement Age
- If You Need Money Immediately
SSDI: Before You File Your Claim
If You Are Between Age 62 And Full Retirement Age
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If you're between age 62 and full retirement age, when you apply for SSDI, also apply for your Social Security Retirement Benefit (SSR). While the amount you will receive for SSR at a younger age is less than you'd receive at full retirement age, you will begin to receive a payment immediately -- without a 5 month waiting period or the time required for an SSDI claim to be processed. If you are approved for disability, the amount of your benefit will be reduced for each month that you received retirement benefits. For most people, this will result in a small overall reduction.
If you are awarded SSDI, the amount you receive is what you would receive at full retirement.
The retroactive payment which includes the months you received a lesser payment, will include an amount for the difference between what you received and the full benefit. For example, if your early SSR is $700 a month, and full retirement benefit would be $900 a month, if you're awarded SSDI, you will receive a check for the difference between $700 and $900 for the months you received early SSR but are now receiving SSDI. If you're denied SSDI, at least you have an income.