Do Social Security Disability Benefits Switch to Retirement Benefits When You Turn 65?

Submitted by Shane on

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. 

Additional Resources 

Blog comments

Bryan

In reply to by Carol (not verified)

Hi Carol,

Hi Carol,
You may be able to if you are entitled to a higher amount under his work history.

Tue, 01/10/2017 - 11:56 Permalink
Al sampo (not verified)

Way back started ssdi my wife

Way back started ssdi my wife n kids got monthly checks now 21 yrs later wife is unemployed could she be ellagible for spousal benefits again

Thu, 01/05/2017 - 14:13 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Al sampo (not verified)

Hi Al,

Hi Al,
She may be eligible if she is over full retirement age or is over 50 and disabled herself.

Tue, 01/10/2017 - 11:59 Permalink
Dylan (not verified)

If I am getting SS disability

If I am getting SS disability & it stops because I am working, how can I find out how much SS I will get when I retire?

Sun, 01/08/2017 - 11:52 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Dylan (not verified)

Hi Dylan,

Hi Dylan,
You may be able to contact the SSA regarding this, you can call them at 1-800-772-1213.

Tue, 01/10/2017 - 09:32 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Dylan (not verified)

Hi Dylan,

Hi Dylan,
You may be able to contact the SSA regarding this, you can call them at 1-800-772-1213.

Tue, 01/10/2017 - 09:32 Permalink
MARILYN (not verified)

My husband is disabled...when

My husband is disabled...when it switches over at 66 will I continue to receive some of his benefits..

Mon, 01/09/2017 - 14:44 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by MARILYN (not verified)

Hi Marilyn,

Hi Marilyn,
If you're still otherwise eligible, you may still be able to receive his benefits.

Tue, 01/10/2017 - 11:59 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

Right now I am 64 (birthday

Right now I am 64 (birthday in May) and am receiving Disability benefits. I understand that I will not be penalized if I stay in my spouse's employer PROVIDED health plan (it will remain primary, with Medicare as secondary) if had the Medicare Parts B and D (which I don't right now), and a special enrollment window will open up for me to enroll later when my spouse retired and loses that insurance I am covered under now (with no penalties) for parts B, C, and/or D of Medicare. However, I also have read that at age 66 my disability will automatically be converted (at the same amount) to regular Retirement SSI. I receive disability discounts on one of my prescriptions right now. But when disability converts to regular retirement benefits at age 66, will I still be considered disabled (my disability is permanent, it won't get better, it can only be treated) in order to qualify for these benefits?

Fri, 01/13/2017 - 09:36 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
I really could not say, however if you receive that discount through your insurance provider, you may lose it if you switch insurance providers.

Thu, 01/19/2017 - 11:02 Permalink
Karen (not verified)

What is retirement age in

What is retirement age in 2017?
I have been receiving disability benefits since I was 58. I am now 62 and am under the impression that I must file papers and change my disability benefits to early retirement to collect Social Security benefits. Is that mandatory? Some info on the web says 65 is retirement age. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Sat, 01/14/2017 - 02:35 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Karen (not verified)

Hi Karen,

Hi Karen,
It is not mandatory to convert your benefits, however if you did you may not be subject to earned income limitations for SSDI benefits.

Thu, 01/19/2017 - 11:11 Permalink
Frank (not verified)

I have a payee now under SSDI

I have a payee now under SSDI, when I turn 66 it converts to regular retirement benefits, will I no longer need a payee?

Sat, 01/14/2017 - 23:20 Permalink
Robert DAmbrosio (not verified)

Having difficulty with SS

Having difficulty with SS correcting my DOB gone down to local office three times they have not corrected it even though I have shown proof. Off by one year. Is there some way I can correct this one and for all by going to another location my local office has dropped the ball two many times on this. Thanks BobD

Sun, 01/15/2017 - 14:30 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Robert DAmbrosio (not verified)

Hi Robert,

Hi Robert,
You may want to contact the SSA's national hotline, you can call them at 1-800-772-1213.

Thu, 01/19/2017 - 11:13 Permalink
luigi (not verified)

I am on ssdi due to heart

I am on ssdi due to heart attack and other issues and cant work any more. I would like to go to PR due to the weather. will I be able to get my ssdi in PR?

Mon, 01/16/2017 - 13:39 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by luigi (not verified)

Hi Luigi,

Hi Luigi,

I am so sorry to hear that. When you say PR, I'm assuming you mean Puerto Rico? If so, since Puerto Rico is a U.S. protectorate, you can receive disability payments from SSDI and/or SSI while living there.

Best Wishes,
Eric

Wed, 01/18/2017 - 16:11 Permalink
Charlene (not verified)

I am currently collecting

I am currently collecting SSDI from my own work history and also collecting a widows benefit each month. So basically I am getting two checks per month. When I reach full retirement age, will they combine the both checks or will I lose one and have my current benefits go down? Hope you can help

Mon, 01/16/2017 - 14:09 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Charlene (not verified)

Hi Charlene,

Hi Charlene,
You can't receive Social Security retirement benefits and disability benefits at the same time. When you reach full retirement age your SSDI disability benefits will be converted to retirement benefits.

Best Wishes,
Eric

Wed, 01/18/2017 - 16:16 Permalink
Mary (not verified)

I'm turning 56 on ssdi,

I'm turning 56 on ssdi, and my 36 months of working up this year, work is part time no benefits. Still disabled and don't know what to do?

Mon, 01/16/2017 - 14:44 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Mary (not verified)

Hi Mary,

Hi Mary,

After the nine month trial work period has ended, the SSA will review your earnings record to determine if you were able to maintain Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) during that time. This is essentially a determination of whether or not the work you performed earned you a gainful living. Please contact the SSA: https://www.ssa.gov for more information.

Best Wishes,
Eric

Mon, 01/16/2017 - 17:01 Permalink
Charlene (not verified)

I am currently receiving two

I am currently receiving two ssdi checks, one from my account and one for widows benefits. When I become full retirement age in 3 years, will I lose the widows benefits or will they be combined to equal the same amount when they convert me to regular retirement benefits?

Tue, 01/17/2017 - 18:37 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Charlene (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
You may still be eligible for the widow's benefit after retirement, and you may not have a change in benefits once your SSDI benefits convert to retirement.

Tue, 01/24/2017 - 15:26 Permalink
Janet (not verified)

At age 60 back surgery

At age 60 back surgery prevented me from returning to work where i did a lot of heavy lifting. I started receiving s.s. disability later that year. Im now 65. Would s.s. allow me to work if a job required no lifting.

Tue, 01/17/2017 - 19:04 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Janet (not verified)

Hi Janet,

Hi Janet,
You may be able to work a job that doesn't require strenuous labor, however it may affect you eligibility for benefits.

Mon, 01/23/2017 - 14:25 Permalink
Mary (not verified)

I'm on SSD, my husband

I'm on SSD, my husband was also on SSD he recently switched to SS at age 66am I able to collect from his SS because what I make isn't enough to make ends meet

Wed, 01/18/2017 - 15:18 Permalink
Sue (not verified)

If I have been working p.t.

If I have been working p.t. on Ticket to Work, taxes have been taken from my gross pay. When I go from ssdi to ss retirement, will my monthly ss amount go up?

Mon, 01/23/2017 - 08:33 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Sue (not verified)

Hi Sue,

Hi Sue,
Generally the SSA imposes a "disability freeze", where you would be set to receive the same amount in benefits as you would as if you hadn't stopped working. In your case if you're making less that what you did prior to being disabled, you may not have a change in benefits.

Mon, 01/23/2017 - 14:27 Permalink
elena chikova (not verified)

I am on disability. My

I am on disability. My benefits include SSD and my work disability insurance.
When I turn 66 I'll stop receiving work portion(which is more than a half), will my SS change?

Mon, 01/23/2017 - 11:29 Permalink
Delores (not verified)

Since now I receive

Since now I receive disability, when I reach retirement age, will I be able to apply to add spousal benefits to my retirement?

Tue, 01/24/2017 - 11:38 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Delores (not verified)

Hi Delores,

Hi Delores,

If a husband or wife has been married for at least a year to someone who receives Social Security disability benefits, the spouse can get Social Security benefits if the spouse is 62 years old or older.

Best Wishes,
Eric

Tue, 01/24/2017 - 16:44 Permalink
Barbara (not verified)

I am receiving ssdi from my

I am receiving ssdi from my deceased husbands record. We were divorced at the time of his death. I am bilaterally hearing impaired and proving this disabilty was lengthy! Will I convert to retirement benefits based on his birthdate or mine. At 66, they fall only months from one another. Also will I be contacted of the change to retirement benefits? Thank you!

Tue, 01/24/2017 - 20:33 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Barbara (not verified)

Hi Barbara,

Hi Barbara,
You would convert to retirement based on your own birthdate. They may contact you regarding the conversion of benefits, however the benefit amount may not change.

Wed, 01/25/2017 - 10:34 Permalink
Barbara (not verified)

In reply to by Bryan

Hi Brian! Thank you for your

Hi Brian! Thank you for your quick response! After our divorce and his death, much to my surprise, I found out that at some point he had stopped paying in to SS for me. Even though we had owned a business together and I worked for our business. So if I understand you correctly, you are saying it will convert on MY 66th birthday this March and not his in December? Even though I collect SSDI from his record! Thanks again!

Wed, 01/25/2017 - 17:18 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Barbara (not verified)

Hi Barbara,

Hi Barbara,
Your retirement age may vary based on your birthdate, so you may have a different retirement age.

Tue, 01/31/2017 - 14:44 Permalink
Barbara (not verified)

In reply to by Bryan

Thank you. Another question.

Thank you. Another question. At any point was I entitled to widows benefit in addition to my SSDI? When I turn 66 in March,2017, and my disabilty benefit changes to retirement benefit, am I entitled to widows benefit? I guess I am asking, was I or will I ever be entitled to widows benefits? Reminder that he is deceased and we had been divorced when I began to get SSDI? This was based on his record. Thank you again!

Sun, 01/29/2017 - 13:16 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Barbara (not verified)

Hi Barbara,

Hi Barbara,
You may be eligible for survivor's benefits, you may want to contact your local SSA office regarding this.

Tue, 01/31/2017 - 14:37 Permalink
Bobbie (not verified)

I collect my SSDI based on my

I collect my SSDI based on my husbands record. We were divorced when he died. I have turned down opportunities to do small jobs over time because I was afraid my disabilty would come into question.I will be 66 in March of this year. Am I correct in thinking that first, my SSDI will transfer to retirement benefits this March, secondly, will I be able to find a small job I can do and not be in fear of losing my monthly income? Thank you!

Fri, 01/27/2017 - 20:51 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Bobbie (not verified)

Hi Bobbie,

Hi Bobbie,
While SSDI benefits have earnings limits, retirement benefits do not, and as such you may be able to find a job without risking losing your benefits.

Tue, 01/31/2017 - 14:38 Permalink
Debbie (not verified)

My husband of 40 years has

My husband of 40 years has been on SSD for 20 years. He is almost 62. His health is not good, so he may not live to full retirement age of 66 and 2 months. I am 58. What happens to his SSD if he passes away before full retirement age? Will I be left without any income from his SSD benefit? I work, but we have depended on that to help support ourselves for many years.

Tue, 01/31/2017 - 20:53 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Debbie (not verified)

Hi Debbie,

Hi Debbie,
I'm sorry to hear that! In the event of your husband's passing, you may be eligible for survivor's benefits based on his work record.

Thu, 02/02/2017 - 15:55 Permalink
Sarah J Marquez (not verified)

Im already on ssi can I

Im already on ssi can I recevie my retirement benefits also at 58. Im sick I have lupus?

Thu, 02/02/2017 - 19:14 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Sarah J Marquez (not verified)

Hi Sarah,

Hi Sarah,

You cannot get double benefits by combining Social Security retirement and disability benefits.

Best Wishes,
Eric

Fri, 02/03/2017 - 16:47 Permalink
Darrell the plumber (not verified)

hello, i am on soc sec

hello, i am on soc sec disability in CA. I turned 60 in Dec and just recieved notice that i am being switched to retirement ss meaning i will receive much less.... i thought being born in 56 i would not switch until age 66

Fri, 02/03/2017 - 20:45 Permalink
Jim (not verified)

My ex- spouse (over 20 years

My ex- spouse (over 20 years married) has been on Disability for over 15 years. When she turns 66 in April will they automatically convert her to half my benefit amount? Do I need to flag them ahead of time to be sure she gets switched to mine?

Sat, 02/04/2017 - 14:46 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Jim (not verified)

HI Jim,

HI Jim,
If she's entitled to a higher benefit amount based on your work record, the SSA may automatically send her that benefit rather than one off of her own record.

Mon, 02/06/2017 - 09:41 Permalink
judy silvey (not verified)

I have been drawing

I have been drawing disability after working 15 years in the tech industry. I will turn 66 in March ...I have already received a letter letting me know that my income amount will change by 178 dollars in Feb. I suffer from nerve damage due to walking on crutches from having polio since age two. I do not even turn 66 until March why change it in Feb. and why change the amount.

Sun, 02/05/2017 - 00:58 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by judy silvey (not verified)

Hi Judy,

Hi Judy,
That change in benefits may be for the following month, and they may have just changed it the month before to ensure that you receive the right benefit amount.

Mon, 02/06/2017 - 09:43 Permalink

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