Social Security disability benefits may be available to eligible individuals prior to age 65, depending on your income and how long you have been paying Social Security taxes. Generally, if you become disabled before reaching age 65 and you have a steady work history, you may qualify for monthly Social Security disability benefits. The payment may be equal to the amount you would get if you had reached age 62 at the time the disability occurred. Social Security disability benefits generally increase each year to keep pace with inflation.

According to current Social Security guidelines, if you become disabled and you’ve been receiving a reduced retirement benefit or other disability benefit, your disability benefit may be reduced. Social Security disability benefits will generally stop when you reach age 65, and retirement benefits will begin. (Disability benefits will also stop in other instances not discussed in this booklet.)

The Social Security Administration has very strict definitions of disability. You generally must be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity by reason of a physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or last for at least 12 months. Social Security disability benefits are not intended for temporary conditions. You should also note that Social Security’s disability rules are different from those of other government or private programs. So while you may qualify for disability benefits under another program, you are not automatically eligible for Social Security disability benefits. There is also a 5-month waiting period for benefits. If a disabled worker dies before applying for benefits, the family can do so within three months of the worker’s death. Benefit payments may be subject to federal income tax.

If you become disabled, call or visit your local Social Security office as soon as possible to determine your eligibility for this benefit, your spouse’s eligibility, and that of any dependent children. You can also determine the amount of your entitlement and the formula used for determining this amount. Don’t just report your disability; file an application at your local Social Security office. If the Social Security
Administration turns you down, you can appeal. For more information, call the Social Security Administration toll-free at 800-772-1213. To expedite the application process, have a summary of where you’ve worked in the last 15 years and the kind of work you did.