Social Security Disability Advice Group

Hello, my name is Sue and I'm getting ready to file for Disability. I have COPD and just turned 62 and it's getting pretty hard to keep working full time.

Can I apply on line? Can I keep working until I get it? How long does it take? Can I apply for regular SS in the meantime until I would be OK for Disb.

hello and welcome! ill try to answer some questions as best as i can. yes - you can apply for ssdi online but you will still have to go to the ss office so they can make copies of certain information. working while waiting for approval? this is a touchy subject. if you work then you are showing the social security people that you are able to and will be denied. this can also be held against you if it went to court. if you are asking if you could retire early and go one and draw SS early? you can i believe but it will be reduced benefits. i don't know if you can draw ss early while waiting for the disability to be approved and then drop ss..??? i would thing that you would not be approved for disability if you were drawing SS bc that would be like double-dipping. i might be wrong...im sure someone else will answer that better. just know that disability can be a long process. your age is in your favor but that isn't a sure fire thing. most people are denied several times until a hearing before a judge...and that process usually takes about 2-3 years. just somethings to think about..i hope it all works out though!

That's sure the case. If you are working, it is probably only logical that the Social Security people will decline a claim. SSI is reserved for people who can't work. There are several attorneys who advertise they represent clients with disability clalims. It might be worth your while to consult with one of them.

Thanks to all of you. I'll probably contact an attorney and see what they think. I'm Stage 4 COPD woth Oxygen 24/7. Work is getting pretty darn hard!!