- Once you qualify for Medicare through SSDI, turning 65 doesn’t affect your coverage; it continues as usual.
- When SSDI switches to retirement benefits, the amount usually stays the same unless you get other government disability benefits.
- Your SSDI benefits will automatically change to retirement benefits when you hit your full retirement age, which is between 66 and 67.
- You can choose to switch SSDI to retirement benefits at 62, which might help you avoid income reporting requirements.
Your disability benefits will convert to retirement benefits once you reach your full retirement age, which may be 66 or 67, depending on the year of your birth. Although 65 was considered full retirement age for many years, this is not the case today. If you are already receiving disability benefits when you turn 65, your benefits will likely remain unchanged.
Social Security offers two disability benefit programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI pays monthly benefits to anyone with a qualifying work history who cannot work because of a disability. SSI pays benefits to disabled individuals and people over 65 with limited resources, regardless of their work history.
What Happens to SSDI Benefits When You Turn 65?
- If you were born between 1943 and 1954, you reached your full retirement age on your 66th birthday.
- If you were born in 1960 or later, you will reach your full retirement age on the day you turn 67.
- If you were born between 1955 and 1959, your retirement date is graduated according to the table below:
Nothing happens to your SSDI benefits when you turn 65. You will continue to receive SSDI at the same level until you reach your full retirement age.
| The Year You Were Born | Your Full Retirement Age |
|---|---|
| 1955 | 66 and 2 months |
| 1956 | 66 and 4 months |
| 1957 | 66 and 6 months |
| 1958 | 66 and 8 months |
| 1959 | 66 and 10 months |
Will the Switch Automatically Happen?
Yes, your Social Security Disability benefits will automatically convert to retirement benefits when you reach your full retirement age. You also have the option of converting your SSDI to retirement benefits beginning at the age of 62. This could be advantageous for the following reasons:
- You are required to report earnings to the Social Security Administration if you choose to work, but this is not necessary when you receive retirement benefits.
- As long as you are receiving Social Security Disability benefits, the Social Security Administration could stop your disability benefits if it determines you are no longer disabled.
- You can lose your disability benefits if you work, but generally not retirement benefits.
What Happens to SSI Benefits When You Turn 65?
If you are already receiving SSI benefits because of a disability, turning 65 will not impact your benefits. However, if you are not disabled, you may qualify for SSI benefits when you reach 65 if you have low income and limited assets.
Once you reach your full retirement age, the Social Security Administration will determine whether you qualify for retirement benefits. You may be able to continue receiving SSI alongside your retirement benefits, but your SSI will be reduced based on the amount.
If your retirement benefits are higher than the SSI income limits, you will receive retirement benefits only. If you do not qualify for retirement benefits because you did not earn enough work credits, you will continue receiving SSI only. The benefit amount will be the same.
Will My Retirement Benefit Amount Be Different from My SSDI?
In most cases, your retirement benefit amount will be the same, but there are exceptions. For example, if you receive workers’ compensation benefits or other disability benefits through a government program, your SSDI may be reduced. However, they do not impact your retirement benefits. In these instances, your retirement benefits may be higher.
What Happens to Medicare Coverage When I Reach Retirement Age?
Most SSDI beneficiaries must wait 24 months to start receiving Medicare. If you reach 65 before the 24-month waiting period is over, your waiting period will end, and you will qualify for Medicare coverage based on your age. In this case, Social Security will contact you a few months before your 65th birthday. If you already have Medicare when you turn 65, your coverage will continue.
If you started receiving SSI before turning 65, you will already have Medicare. You may also qualify for Medicaid and other forms of public assistance.
Can You Collect Disability Benefits and Retirement Income?
| Your Age | Which Benefit Can You Receive |
|---|---|
| Under 62 | Social Security Disability and/or SSI |
| Over 62 but under full retirement age | Retirement benefits and/or SSI OR Social Security Disability and/or SSI |
| Full retirement age or older | Retirement benefits and/or SSI |
Contact Disability Advice
If you need to apply for Social Security Disability or appeal a denial, a knowledgeable Social Security Disability lawyer can increase your odds of being approved during your initial application or appeal. We can connect you to a reputable Social Security Disability lawyer to answer all of your questions about converting your disability benefits to retirement benefits. Contact us today to learn more.
