Social Security Disability Benefits After Early Retirement
The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program ends when you reach full retirement age. You cannot get SSDI if you become disabled after full retirement age.
But, many people younger than their SSA full retirement age may be eligible for the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program after retiring early from the workforce. It does not matter whether the person ever intended to work again. There is a reasonable chance approval if:
- Health problems contributed to the decision to retire early or
- Physical and/or mental problems started or worsened after retirement and
- The worker is insured for the disability program and
- The retiree is not working or is working at levels below SSA’s standards for substantial gainful employment (SGA) and
- The health problems would be disabling for at least 12 months.
