According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), an individual’s Social Security Disability benefits will convert to regular Social Security retirement benefits once they reach full retirement age. This rule is applicable to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) as well as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments.
Both the SSDI and SSI programs are administered by the SSA, but their qualifying standards are different. Also, SSDI usually pays higher monthly cash benefits than SSI.
A person’s full retirement age can vary from 65 to 67 years old, depending on the month and year of their birth, according to the SSA retirement benefits planner. The full retirement age for those born after 1942 is 66 years of age or older. People who were born in 1960 or later are not eligible to begin receiving full retirement benefits until they are 67 years old.
Except for cost-of-living adjustments, the benefit amount remains unchanged when it converts to Social Security retirement benefits (COLA) Regardless of your age when you became disabled, the AARP claims that your SSDI benefits are equivalent to what you would receive at full retirement age.
If you get SSDI, the SSA also enables you to start receiving Medicare benefits early. Even if you are under 65, you may be eligible for Medicare after receiving disability benefits for two years.
Navigating the complexities of Social Security benefits can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding how disability benefits transition into regular retirement benefits. This article aims to clarify this process and answer the question: At what age does Social Security Disability turn into regular Social Security?
Understanding the Transition
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), when a person receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits reaches full retirement age, their disability benefits automatically convert to regular Social Security retirement benefits. This applies to both SSDI and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs.
Full Retirement Age
The full retirement age for receiving Social Security benefits varies depending on the year of birth. For individuals born in 1960 or later, the full retirement age is 67. Those born between 1943 and 1959 have a full retirement age between 66 and 67.
Benefit Amount
The amount of your Social Security retirement benefits will be the same as your SSDI benefits, adjusted for any cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs). This means you won’t receive a higher benefit amount simply because you’ve transitioned from disability to retirement.
Early Access to Medicare
If you receive SSDI benefits, you may be eligible for Medicare after two years, even if you haven’t reached the age of 65. This early access to Medicare can provide valuable health insurance coverage during your transition to retirement.
Qualifying for SSDI Benefits
To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be 100% disabled according to SSA definitions. This means your medical condition must prevent you from working for at least one year or be a fatal condition.
- Have enough work credits for your age when you became disabled. Work credits are earned through employment and contribute to your eligibility for Social Security benefits.
- Your monthly earnings do not exceed the limit for SSDI benefits. Currently, the monthly earnings limit is $1,260 for non-blind individuals and $2,110 for statutorily blind individuals.
Qualifying for SSI Benefits
SSI benefits have different eligibility requirements than SSDI. You must meet the same level of disability as with SSDI, but you do not need work credits to qualify. However, your countable income and resources must be below certain limits.
Seeking Legal Assistance
If you have questions about your Social Security benefits or need assistance with an appeal, consider consulting an attorney specializing in Social Security disability law. They can provide guidance and support throughout the process.
Understanding the transition from Social Security Disability to regular Social Security benefits is crucial for planning your retirement. By knowing the full retirement age, benefit amount, and eligibility requirements, you can make informed decisions about your future. Remember, reaching full retirement age automatically triggers the conversion of your disability benefits to retirement benefits. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance.
What If Your Condition Is Determined to Be Disabling?
To be eligible for SSDI benefits, even if the SSA finds that your medical condition is incapacitating, you also need to fulfill the following requirements:
Your Monthly Earnings Do Not Exceed the Limit for SSDI Benefits
The monthly income limit for those who are not blind is $1,260, and the monthly income limit for those who are legally blind is $2,110. If you do, regardless of how serious your medical condition is, the SSA will claim that you are not disabled.
For you to begin receiving SSDI benefits, you have to fulfill all requirements. When they become disabled, many people do not have the necessary number of work credits for their age. The Supplemental Security Income program was established by Congress to provide a safety net for disabled individuals who have low incomes and limited financial resources.
What Happens At Full Retirement Age With Social Security Disability Benefits
FAQ
What happens to my disability when I turn 65?
At what age does Social Security disability convert to Social Security?
What happens to my disability when I turn 62?
Is Social Security disability more than regular Social Security?
When does Social Security disability turn into regular retirement benefits?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) says that when a person reaches full retirement age, their Social Security Disability will turn into regular Social Security retirement benefits. This rule applies to both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
What age does social security switch to disability?
When you reach your full Social Security retirement age — which is between 66 and 67, depending on what year you were born — your disability benefits will automatically switch to Social Security retirement benefits of the same amount. Can you collect disability and Social Security at age 65? No, you can collect only one benefit at a time.
Do Social Security disability benefits change when you reach full retirement age?
People who qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits may question what happens when they reach full retirement age. Typically, benefits don’t change — they automatically switch to Social Security retirement benefits. Here’s how it works. What is SSDI?
How old do you have to be to get Social Security benefits?
People born after 1942 have a full retirement age of 66 years or older. Those born in 1960 or later must wait until they are 67 years old to start collecting full retirement benefits. The benefit amount does not change when it converts into Social Security retirement benefits, except for cost-of-living adjustments (COLA).