jrose

Congratulations!  A word of advice is that SSA regulations MAY allow an earlier date.  You will need to do some research, and determine if an earlier date is applicable to you. Some ten or so years ago, I was able to do so. (Even though I waited until I turned 62 to file for both SSDI and SSA.)
 

I have heard and read the horror stories of being denied over and over again...having to get an attorney and still getting turned away.  I was accepted the first shot!  IN fact, my records states that I am NOT to be called in for any IME's in the future, that my acceptance is permenant.  They have, indeed, left me alone and just pay me every month and put me on Medicare also.  I was only 57 when this happened.  Any advice that you may want, just ask.
 
Gary