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Many people wonder what happens to their Social Security Disability benefits when they reach retirement age. Do they stop receiving disability benefits? Do disability benefits continue? Are they converted to Social Security Retirement benefits? It can be confusing to understand how the process works and individuals who receive SSDI benefits want to ensure that they are not left without an income once they reach retirement age. If you are wondering what happens to your SSDI benefits once you reach age 65, the following information will help.
Back to topThe Benefits Do Convert
The first thing you need to understand when receiving SSDI benefits is that the benefits do convert from Social Security Disability benefits to Social Security Retirement benefits once you reach retirement age. Nothing will change. You will continue to receive a monthly check and you do not need to do anything in order to receive your benefits. The SSA will simply change your disability benefit to a retirement benefit once you have reached full retirement age. When you reach that age, however, can vary depending on which year you were born in.
Back to topIt’s Not Automatically 65
Many people think that their SSDI benefits will automatically change to retirement benefits when they reach age 65. Some of these people are correct, but only those who were born before 1937. Anyone born after 1937 does not reach full retirement age at exactly 65 years of age so their SSDI benefits will not change to retirement benefits as soon as they turn 65 years old. When will these benefits convert? It depends on the year you were born. The following outline will help you understand at what age your SSDI benefits will convert to retirement benefits:
- 1938 – 65 years and 2 months
- 1939 – 65 years and 4 months
- 1940 – 65 years and 6 months
- 1941 – 65 years and 8 months
- 1942 – 65 years and 10 months
- 1943 through 1954 – 66 years
- 1955 – 66 years and 2 months
- 1956 – 66 years and 4 months
- 1957 – 66 years and 6 months
- 1958 – 66 years and 8 months
- 1959 – 66 years and 10 months
- 1960 and later – 67 years
By reviewing the age breakdown above, you can see at what age your Social Security Disability benefits will convert to Social Security Retirement benefits. Once you begin receiving Social Security Retirement benefits, you will receive your benefits without any limit on your earnings. This means that you will begin receiving your monthly benefits regardless of your income, unlike when these benefits were simply SSDI benefits. When your SSDI benefits convert to retirement benefits, the SSDI rules no longer apply to the benefits as the benefits now fall under the retirement guidelines.
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Blog comments
I just recieved a letter
I just recieved a letter stating i am now on straight social security.i live in low income housing.can i go back to work and still live in liw icome.housing.
In reply to I just recieved a letter by ginger alflen (not verified)
Hi Ginger,
Hi Ginger,
You may be able to, but you may want to contact the office that handles your housing to better determine your eligibility to do so.
In reply to Hi Ginger, by Bryan
Ginger, yes you can work just
Ginger, yes you can work just remember the income maximum rules I.e. Working Disabled Program/Trial work period income rules/income amts allowed to keep your full check. Low Income Housing subsidies base your rent on on 1/3rd of your income so anything you earn wll add to your income and it will still be the same rule based on 1/3rd of your income. You can get the figure from your Housing Authority Agent. It's free info just for asking.
In reply to Ginger, yes you can work just by Michael (not verified)
Hi Michael,
Hi Michael,
Thanks for sharing! However, rules for subsidies can vary by state, so like you said, it's a good idea to contact the office in your state that handles housing.
I will be 66 in June 2017
I will be 66 in June 2017 will my benefits increase
In reply to I will be 66 in June 2017 by Cynthia Martin (not verified)
Hi Cynthia,
Hi Cynthia,
If you're already on SSDI benefits, you benefits may not increase when they convert to retirement benefits.
Shane...
Shane...
SSDI has a Return to Work program where the First 9 Months of Earned Income is not held against the Recipient/Worker on SSDI.
If one was to try and get a very 'decent paying' Job (Say 80k), providing one could work, approx. one year before FRA... would such increase their Reg SS check at FRA. Meaning about a year after they started work.
??
In reply to Shane... by James (not verified)
Hi James,
Hi James,
You would be receiving SSDI benefits at the time of the Trial Work Period, and you would be eligible to receive benefits for any month that you make under the Substantial Gainful Activity level of $1,170 a month for the next 36 months, so you may not be able to have that job increase your Retirement benefits check.
When I turn 66 will I be able
When I turn 66 will I be able to draw my ss claim and a claim from my spouse to?
In reply to When I turn 66 will I be able by Sue (not verified)
HI Sue,
HI Sue,
You would be entitled to whichever one was higher in amount.
I AM 64 and received SS at
I AM 64 and received SS at age 62, only 650.00 a month will it go up at age 65..I am divorce and its hard living on 650.00.
In reply to I AM 64 and received SS at by rENEE GUERRERO (not verified)
Hi there,
Hi there,
You may be able to receive benefits based on your ex's work record, you may want to contact the SSA for more information.
I do understand about the
I do understand about the SSDI to Retirement conversion, my question is that born in '52 My conversion would happen when I hit 66. If I earn money after 66, any amt and pay taxes that adds to my earnings say to age 70. At that point can I file at age 70 for full Retirement benefits of 100% the as regular retirees. Meaning AUTO SSDI conversion to Retirement benefits doesn't disqualify me from the age 70 wait to file rule for 100% benefits?
In reply to I do understand about the by Michael (not verified)
Hi Michael,
Hi Michael,
If your benefits convert automatically, you would not be able to delay your retirement voluntarily.
My wife received Social
My wife received Social Security Disability benefits, but couple years ago when she reached 66, it was switched to Social Security Retirement benefits. The check is the same.
Question. Our county has Disability homeowner exemption. Could my wife still apply for Disability exemption?
In reply to My wife received Social by Alex (not verified)
Hi Alex,
Hi Alex,
I really could not say as I am not well-informed regarding your county's criteria for a disability homeowner exemption. It may depend on if their definition of 'disabled' means someone receiving Social Security Disability benefits, or if they simply mean someone with an ongoing disability.
Hello, I am on Social
Hello, I am on Social Security Disability and have a payee. I want to get my own check I have been going to a Physiatrist for 3 years and I am ready. My question is when I turn 66 Nov 2017 will my check start coming in my name only are am I going to have to go into the SSA office and tell them I want my own check. My doctor has agreed and will supply a letter of recommendation. Just wondering how it works.
In reply to Hello, I am on Social by Judy Doolittle (not verified)
Hi Judy,
Hi Judy,
You may still be required to have a payee while receiving retirement benefits, but it may not hurt to contact the SSA with this information regarding your ability to handle your finances.
If my monthly income goes
If my monthly income goes over $600 for a month or 2 only will I lose my SSD?
In reply to If my monthly income goes by T. (not verified)
Hi there,
Hi there,
you may not lose your benefits, however if you receive benefits based on your income and financial resources, you may have an adjustment in your benefit amount for those months.
I've been on ssdi since
I've been on ssdi since 1996. They cut my check because of workers comp. When I reach retirement will I get the full benefits back. Or will my check stay the same.
In reply to I've been on ssdi since by Kim (not verified)
Hi Kim,
Hi Kim,
If you're receiving benefits based on your income, you check may change when you reach retirement.
I am currently drawing ssi, I
I am currently drawing ssi, I worked before I became disable but because my quarters ran out before my claim was allowed will my ssi change to retirement benefit at retirement age?
In reply to I am currently drawing ssi, I by James (not verified)
Hi James,
Hi James,
While you may be eligible for retirement benefits, they are separate from SSI and you may not receive the same amount.
The last line "ssdi
The last line "ssdi rules no longer apply", which rules are you referring to?
In reply to The last line "ssdi by too (not verified)
Hi there,
Hi there,
We mean that the rules for SSDI benefits do not apply for retirement benefits, even if those retirement benefits converted from SSDI benefits.
I am on ssi and also receive
I am on ssi and also receive a death benefit from my deceased wife. Will I receive her SS if it is greater than mine. Or what does happen. Thanks PAT
In reply to I am on ssi and also receive by PAT (not verified)
Hi Pat,
Hi Pat,
I'm sorry to hear about that.You may only be eligible for survivor's benefits based off of your spouse's work record.
I was divorced from my
I was divorced from my husband. Neither of us remarried. He passed away about 19 years ago. I am currently on medical Disability. Will I receive his social security benefit amount when I reach the age of retirement?
In reply to I was divorced from my by Linda (not verified)
Hi Linda,
Hi Linda,
I am sorry to hear that. You may be able to receive his SS benefits when you reach the age of retirement.
Best Wishes,
Eric
I have enough work credits
I have enough work credits for retirement. My ssa account says Ill recieve $985 a month @ full retirement age. Im 56 yrs old on ssi disability. I didnt have enough recent work credits. Will my ssi benefits switch @ age 62 to full retirement benefits?
In reply to I have enough work credits by BIll (not verified)
Hi Bill,
Hi Bill,
Your benefits would change automatically at full retirement age, however you may be able to take early retirement for a reduced benefit.
I get dysability and my
I get dysability and my husband gets social security, can I collect from my husbands social security?
In reply to I get dysability and my by Pamela (not verified)
Hi Pamela,
Hi Pamela,
In some circumstances, you can receive both Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits at the same time. This is commonly referred to as “concurrent benefits”. To receive concurrent benefits, you must be approved for SSDI, but receive low monthly payments through the program.
Best Wishes,
ERic
I am 59 and have 39 working
I am 59 and have 39 working years .I just got on ssdi the letter i received from ssa said i was entitled to 1900 and that they reduced it to 1100 because i received workers comp the year before i filed. when i reach 66 and it converts to retirement will my benefits increase to what i am entitled ?
In reply to I am 59 and have 39 working by bill (not verified)
Hi Bill,
Hi Bill,
They would base your retirement benefits on your average lifetime earnings, so your benefit may increase.
I'm 66 now. I was on SSD
I'm 66 now. I was on SSD then it changed to retirement benefits. Am I still considered disabled and I am disabled? Will I be checked in 5 or 7 years? Will I be eligible for any type of disability status?
In reply to I'm 66 now. I was on SSD by Sonny G (not verified)
Hi Sonny,
Hi Sonny,
You should not be checked--You'll remain on SS Retirement.
I have been collecting
I have been collecting disability for cancer, almost 5 years,I am 61, do I take age 62 retirement, will the amount be less or do I wait till 65
In reply to I have been collecting by Nancy (not verified)
Hi Nancy,
Hi Nancy,
You should just wait and do nothing. Your SSDI will automatically convert once you're 65.
When disability changes to
When disability changes to retirement do I then have to claim it on my income tax
In reply to When disability changes to by Danielle (not verified)
Hi Danielle,
Hi Danielle,
You should not have to claim SS benefits unless you receive more than $26,000 per year!
If i take early retirement ,
If i take early retirement , is that what i will get for the rest of my life or will it increase to full retirement benefits when i reach 66 ?
In reply to If i take early retirement , by bill (not verified)
Hi Bill,
Hi Bill,
Yes, if you take early retirement you are locked into early retirement.
I am wondering if I am on
I am wondering if I am on SSDI for the past 13 years and I start to work part time up to 10 hours a week, will it affect my conversion to retirement benefits?
In reply to I am wondering if I am on by Curious (not verified)
Hi there,
Hi there,
No it will not--If you were to earn enough to increase your retirement benefits, you will be disqualified from SSDI.
when Disability converts over
when Disability converts over to "retirement" because the age factor has been reached, I'm reading the amount does not change... if the person gets married to someone younger who does work, is there a household income limit that would reduce the amount the disabled person is getting?
In reply to when Disability converts over by TJ (not verified)
Hi TJ,
Hi TJ,
If you are on SSDI, it should not affect your benefits!
My husband started receiving
My husband started receiving SSD Feb 2015. He is 63. When I turn 62, I will retire and apply for SSI. If he passes away before his SSD turns into SSI at age 66, how does this affect the amount I would receive as his widow? Is it based on his current SSD amount? Am I correct in thinking I would get my SSI and a % of his SSD as his widow (or would it be % of what his SSI would have been at that age). I'm confused.
In reply to My husband started receiving by Debra (not verified)
Hi Debra,
Hi Debra,
It may not affect your benefit amount based on his work record as Survivor's benefits are calculate differently than SSDI benefits.
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