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.
The 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.
It’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.
Blog comments
In reply to Hi Lori, by Bryan
So, when I turn 72 and he is
So, when I turn 72 and he is 67, I could apply for his SSDI that would switch to Social Security? Also, if he were to pass away before me and before he reaches 67 would I be denied widow's benefits because it is still SSDI and not Social Security? Or, say he passed away at 62 and I would be 67, would the SSDI switch to Social Security and be reduced for the widow's benefit?
In reply to So, when I turn 72 and he is by Lori Roberts (not verified)
Hi Lori,
Hi Lori,
You would be eligible for benefits based on his work record, and you may not have a reduction/denial in widow's benefits if he passes.
In reply to Hi Lori, by Bryan
One more question. Can my
One more question. Can my husband request his SSDI be changed to Social Security at age 62 and not face a reduction in his benefit he already receives on his SSDI?
In reply to One more question. Can my by Lori Roberts (not verified)
Hi Lori,
Hi Lori,
He may be subject to the early retirement penalty, however his benefit amount would not change when his benefits convert at full retirement age.
I'm on SSDI and just
I'm on SSDI and just turned 65, but there was $134 less in my check this month. I was born in 1952. Why is it less?
In reply to I'm on SSDI and just by Randy (not verified)
Hi Randy,
Hi Randy,
That may be the premium for Medicare Part B, you may want to contact your local SSA office for more information. You can find a listing of them here:
http://www.disability-benefits-help.org/content/social-security-disabil…
In reply to I'm on SSDI and just by Randy (not verified)
I learned that if you turn 65
I learned that if you turn 65 and get on Medicare before your SSDI turns to Social Security, they will charge you more money for Medicare part B. If you are receiving Social Security before age 65, then it is less money for part B due to the Government not allowing your premium to be more than the cost of living increases. In 2017, no cost of living increases were given. Normal cost of Medicare part B is $109.00 for people on Social Security. Unfortunately, your SSDI won't convert to Social Security until age 66. This is why you are paying the higher cost of $134.00.
In reply to I learned that if you turn 65 by Lori Roberts (not verified)
Hi Lori,
Hi Lori,
Thank you for sharing! It's true your Medicare premiums may vary.
I have always worked part
I have always worked part-time (below SGA) while receiving SSDI. I turn 66 this year, and understand that my benefits will convert/continue and not be reduced. Is there a possibility that my benefits could increase due to work history?
In reply to I have always worked part by Enid (not verified)
Hi Enid,
Hi Enid,
I can't say for sure, but your benefits are no longer subject earning limits that were in place with your SSD benefits. In other words, you can increase your earnings from a part time job or other income source without losing dollars in your monthly benefit check.
Best,
Eric
My spouse and I both have
My spouse and I both have paid into the Social Security system for over 35 years each. I was told by a senior family member that my husband and I cannot both receive our full Social Security benefits at the same time at retirement, but that we can only receive a benefit for one or the other of us. So if my husband retires and takes his Social Security benefit, when I retire I will not receive my Social Security benefit that I've been paying into all these years. Is that true?
In reply to My spouse and I both have by John (not verified)
Hi John,
Hi John,
That is not accurate, both you and your spouse would be eligible for benefits based off of your respective work records.
I receive SSDI. My retirement
I receive SSDI. My retirement age is 67 born in 1960. When my income converts over if I have earned retirement coming from an employer would it be in addition to my eligible SS pay?
In reply to I receive SSDI. My retirement by Maxine Erwin (not verified)
Hi Maxine,
Hi Maxine,
You may want to check with your employer for their terms regarding your retirement benefits provided through them.
I am 57 years old and have
I am 57 years old and have been on Social Security insurance for seven years I am still considered an employee but inactive I have accumulated enough points to retire and they are trying to force me to what will happen to my earning checks that I receive
In reply to I am 57 years old and have by Frank (not verified)
Hi Frank,
Hi Frank,
You may want to contact the SSA regarding this as they could give you specific details about your particular case.
IWAS BORN SEPT 52 IM ON SSDI
IWAS BORN SEPT 52 IM ON SSDI HAVE BEEN FOR7 YEARS IN JULY MY AMOUNT HAS DROPPED MISTAKE MYBE? I HAVENT GOTTIN ANY SSA PAPERWORK DONT THEY NOTIFY IN ADVANCE IF THEY MESS WITH YOUR PAYMENTS.
In reply to IWAS BORN SEPT 52 IM ON SSDI by JAY (not verified)
Hi Jay,
Hi Jay,
They may notify you, however if you have moved within the last 7 years, they may not have updated your address. You may want to reach out to your local SSA office, you can find a listing of them here:
http://www.disability-benefits-help.org/content/social-security-disabil…
Hello, I am my niece's
Hello, I am my niece's power of attorney and her mother has passed away. She passed away when my niece was barely 2. She is now 5. Would she be eligible for survivors benefits?
In reply to Hello, I am my niece's by Adrienne (not verified)
Hi Adrienne,
Hi Adrienne,
She may be, it might be a good idea to contact your local SSA office regarding this, you can find a listing of them here:
http://www.disability-benefits-help.org/content/social-security-disabil…
Hi. I am on widow's
Hi. I am on widow's disability after losing my husband suddenly. I only get (I think) 60% of what he would have gotten, my question is when my disability benefits roll over on to Social Security benefits will my monthly check increase to what he would have fully received? Thanks.
In reply to Hi. I am on widow's by Tracy (not verified)
Hi Tracy,
Hi Tracy,
I'm sorry to hear about that! Please accept my condolences.
You may be eligible to receive up to 100% of his benefit after full retirement age.
I have a friend Linda
I have a friend Linda who is widowed..She gets widow pension her widow pension is around $100.00 dollars more a month then my SSDI.. She has not worked a day in her life and i have. So why is it fair she gets more a month than i do? I find that unfair..
In reply to I have a friend Linda by Debra Earnest (not verified)
Hi Debra,
Hi Debra,
I'm not sure because we don't know the circumstances surrounding her case.
-Eric
I get SSDI now.. I was told
I get SSDI now.. I was told when i turn 62 that i could get more money if i drew off my X's money, He has worked all of his life.and if i was married to him at least 10 yrs before divorcing. Is that true?
In reply to I get SSDI now.. I was told by Debra (not verified)
Hi Debra,
Hi Debra,
If he is not on disability then you cannot draw money off of him.
-Eric
I am receiving disability but
I am receiving disability but we are a retired military so have Tricare Prime in which we are paying a certain amount. Now my question is they took money from my disability check to pay for my medicare but I am covered by Tricare fully. What can I do for this matter?Seems like I am paying for an insurance that I am not using.Thank you. Btw I am turning 60 this year.
In reply to I am receiving disability but by Delia Pichelmayer (not verified)
Hi Delia,
Hi Delia,
You may want to contact the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regarding this, you can do so at: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
I was born in 1952 so I am
I was born in 1952 so I am assuming my SSDI will not change to SSi until age 66. I am wanting to sell some valuable books my father left me and would like to know if I should wait.. Thanks
In reply to I was born in 1952 so I am by Sue (not verified)
Hi Sue,
Hi Sue,
It's up to you when you should sell them but you should always report any additional income to the SSA.
-Eric
I turn 66 on November 8. will
I turn 66 on November 8. will ssdi convert to ssi on November or December.
In reply to I turn 66 on November 8. will by Ed B (not verified)
Hi Ed,
Hi Ed,
It will convert in November when you turn 66.
-Eric
my full retirement age is 66
my full retirement age is 66.i have been workin p/t makin 600.00 per month after 66 what is my limit i can make ?
In reply to my full retirement age is 66 by Richard Casler (not verified)
Hi Richard,
Hi Richard,
There is no earnings limit for SSA Retirement benefits.
My ex who was fully vested,
My ex who was fully vested, took early benefits, reducing the amount of his benefit. Since we are the same age, can I convert from SSDI to SS early?
In reply to My ex who was fully vested, by Bhakti (not verified)
Hi Bhakti,
Hi Bhakti,
You could be able to however, I would recommend speaking to a SSA representative first.
-Eric
In reply to My ex who was fully vested, by Bhakti (not verified)
Hi Bhakti,
Hi Bhakti,
If you're receiving SSDI benefits, your benefits amount may not change after you retire, however if you take early retirement, you may incur a reduction in benefits for doing so.
I have reached full
I have reached full retirement age (66) and received a letter from SSA that I will now received social security retirement benefits. The letter states that my July 2017 benefits will arrive approximately August 16th. What happens to the SSDI payment that was to be paid July 19th? Do I not receive that payment?
In reply to I have reached full by Lynne (not verified)
Hi Lynne,
Hi Lynne,
I would recommend speaking a representative from the SSA regarding your matter.
-Eric
I am divorced. Once. My.
I am divorced. Once. My. SSD changes over. To. SS retirement. May i then draw off of my ex. I have never remarried. And. Because of his earrings. Could my SS. Monthy check. Go up. And can i draw. SS at. 62
In reply to I am divorced. Once. My. by Deborah. Burlerson (not verified)
Hi Deborah,
Hi Deborah,
You could be able to if you were married for over 10 years.
-Eric
I receive SSDI I will turn 65
I receive SSDI I will turn 65 next year will I get half of my husbands SSI when I reach this age?
In reply to I receive SSDI I will turn 65 by Lynette Paulchek (not verified)
Hi Lynette,
Hi Lynette,
You may be eligible for benefits based off of your husband's benefits if your benefit based on your own work record would be less than what you would receive from his. However, you would not receive both.
I am 100% veteran and have
I am 100% veteran and have all use of the VA Hospital facilities meds physicals I also am paying for Medicare do I need to keep paying for Medicare with all this coverage and if I do keep Medicare will I need any supplements especially now that the new VA choice care is infect thank you in advance for any help with this
In reply to I am 100% veteran and have by James Brazzel (not verified)
Hi James,
Hi James,
You may need to contact the Social Security Administration about this, they may be able to help you disenroll from Medicare Part B ( This is the coverage that you are charged a monthly premium for). I really couldn't say if you should or should not disenroll, as you'd have to determine if the coverage is unnecessary for your needs.
I am the Representative Payee
I am the Representative Payee for my brother who receives Soc Sec Disability. When his disability benefits convert to Soc sec Retirement benefits, will I still have to complete the yearly Representative payee Accounting Report?
In reply to I am the Representative Payee by Billie (not verified)
Hi Billie,
Hi Billie,
Yes, you may still need to do so as his Representative payee after his benefits convert to retirement.
will my social security be
will my social security be brought up to half of my husband when I am of age ,which is 740 I draw disability it would be half of his 1000
In reply to will my social security be by Steph (not verified)
Hi there,
Hi there,
You would receive benefits based on his work record if your benefits would be less based on your own work record.
I receive ssd for less then a
I receive ssd for less then a year now, I will be 62 in a few days, When I reach 66 & 2 months, my full retirement would be more then the ssd payment is. So it won't be raised to the higher amount that I would have received at full retirement?
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