Are You Eligible for Dual Social Security Benefits?
Yes, it’s possible! You heard it here first! You may qualify for dual Social Security benefits under the Social Security Administration (SSA).
But wait:
How do you know if you qualify? Well, that’s what we at SSDA USA will explain to you right now.
What Are the Limits?
First things first: generally speaking, you cannot receive retirement benefits and disability benefits at the same time.
However, there is one exception. At age 62, you take an early retirement and apply for disability benefits. If the SSA determines your disability started before you took your early retirement, it will pay you the difference of the disability and retirement benefits for the months you were disabled but receiving early retirement. In addition, when you reach full retirement age, you will receive full benefits as though you had never applied for an early retirement.
However, if the SSA determines your disability started after you took early retirement, it will not pay you the difference of your disability and retirement benefits, and you will be stuck with a permanently reduced retirement benefit. Keep this in mind before taking an early retirement with the hopes of qualifying for disability!
For most people, any disability benefits transfer to retirement benefits when they reach full retirement age.
What can you qualify for?
How Do I Qualify?
Well, the remaining Social Security programs are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and it is quite possible to qualify for both at the same time.
SSDI is a work-based program, and SSI is a need-based program. Both programs require you to meet the SSA’s definition of disability. So how can you qualify for both programs?
To be eligible for concurrent benefits, you’ll need to be eligible for SSDI and receive low payments through that program. Low payments from SSDI can be influenced by a few factors:
- You did not work much in the previous 10 years.
- At the time you became disabled, you did not work much.
- You became disabled when you were very young and before you were able to gain much work history.
- Your wages throughout the course of your employment were low.
In other words, you must be disabled and earning very little money to qualify for both programs. For example, earning Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) may not only stop your SSDI benefits, but also your SSI benefits. Also, SSI is calculated based on earned and unearned income. SSDI payments do count as unearned income, so if you are receiving too much from SSDI, that could affect your SSI benefits. The maximum benefit amount you could receive from both programs is approximately $2,000 a month for individuals and $3,000 a month for married couples.
Have Questions about Dual Social Security Benefits?
If you have further questions about Social Security, contact one of our attorneys at SSDA USA today! Our experienced attorneys work tirelessly to address all your Social Security concerns. You can contact us 24/7 by calling us at 602-952-3200. Additionally, feel free to contact us online and utilize our LiveChat feature. Keeping your questions to yourself could cost you dearly, so leave your questions to the professionals. Contact SSDA USA today!
This is attorney advertising. SSDA, LLC is a group of attorneys that pursues claims for Social Security Disability benefits on behalf of its clients against the Social Security Administration. SSDA, LLC is in no way a part of the Social Security Administration. Further, the information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, a representative-client relationship.
