Is Social Security Disability More Than Social Security Retirement?   Technically, Social Security Disability is not "more than" Social Security retirement. However, that depends upon the age at which an individual takes their Social Security retirement benefit. Social Security Disability benefits are equal to benefits for full retirement age retirees, which means an individual who takes their Social Security retirement any earlier than their full retirement age would receive less than what their disability benefit amount would be. Many individuals who retire from their jobs file for both Social Security Disability and social security retirement. Why? Because they have persisted in working with medical conditions that may be disabling. When they are able to retire from their employment, or they are at an age at which they can stop working and receive Social Security retirement benefits, they stop working and are able to apply for disability with Social Security as well. Now, what advantage is it to receive Social Security retirement benefits while waiting upon a Social Security Disability decision? Well, its obvious. Individuals who are really struggling to work with conditions that make it almost impossible to work, can stop working and receive retirement benefits to pay their living expenses while they wait for a disability decision. The other advantage is that if the individual is approved for disability, some of the reduction to their benefits (meaning their benefits were reduced because of early retirement) will be removed when they become entitled to their disability benefit. In some cases, an individual will have all benefit reduction removed, if they stopped working prior to filing for retirement and they are found disabled back to the time they stopped work. Others who filed for retirement and disability when they stopped work may just receive five months of reduction for the five month waiting period (Social Security Disability has a five month waiting for which benefits are never paid). Is Social Security Disability More Than Social Security Retirement? No. Basically, Social Security Disability benefits are always set at the highest amount that can be paid on an individual's record, whatever that amount may be. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: Can You Get Approved For SSI or SSD Benefits if you Have A Mental Condition Applying for Social Security Disability or SSI for Stroke Social Security Disability, back pain, and sedentary, light, and medium work Social Security Disability, SSI, and low IQ Going to a disability hearing without a lawyer How is Social Security Disability determined? Medical treatment and a Social Security Disability award Check your SSDI and SSI claim status How social security evaluates attention deficit How to file for disability in New Jersey NJ Applying for permanent disability with liver disease and a spinal fusion Social Security Disability for insomnia or sleep disorders Applying for disability with a cervical spine discectomy and fusion Filing for disability with HIV Basic Facts about the Administrative Law Judge Social Security Disability Hearing