Question: What is the earliest age to file for retirement benefits?
Answer: Age 62.
Question: What are the eligibility requirements to get Social Security Disability Benefits?
Answer: To qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you must have worked long enough in jobs covered by Social Security (usually 10 years). Then, you must have a medical condition that meets Social Security’s definition of disability.
In general, we pay monthly benefits to people who are unable to work for a year or more, or who have a condition expected to end in death. The disability must be so severe the worker cannot work, considering age, education and experience. Applying online for disability benefits offers several advantages:
- You can start your disability claim immediately. There is no need to wait for an appointment;
- You can apply from the convenience of your home, or on any computer; and
- You can avoid trips to a Social Security office, saving you time and money.
Related: More Social Security Q&A
Question: What is a disability update report and can I complete it online?
Answer: The Disability Update Report is part of our Continuing Disability Review (CDR) process, which is required by law. We periodically review your case to determine if you continue to meet the eligibility rules to receive disability benefits. We mail the Disability Update Report, or Form SSA-455, to disabled beneficiaries to obtain updated information about their medical conditions and recent treatments. You also have the option to complete the SSA-455 online.
