Principal Attorney
Countless people in Tarzana and throughout California depend on Social Security disability benefits to meet their daily needs. However, as the Social Security Administration (SSA) points out, these benefits are meant for those who can’t work due to an injury or illness, not people at retirement age. This raises a crucial question: Do Social Security disability benefits convert to retirement benefits when you reach retirement age?
In short, Yes, they do. Without any additional action in your part, your SSDI benefits will convert to retirement benefits at the full rate.
Do You Have to Reapply for Social Security Retirement Benefits When You’re Receiving Disability Benefits?
You do not have to reapply for retirement benefits if you already receive Social Security disability benefits and reach full retirement age. The SSA says your benefits should convert automatically. If you encounter any issues with your Social Security benefits once you reach retirement age, contact a Social Security disability lawyer for assistance.
At What Age Do Your Social Security Disability Benefits Convert to Retirement Benefits?
You can apply for Social Security benefits starting at age 62. However, your full retirement age depends on when you were born. Recent changes to federal law have raised the full retirement age to sometime between age 66 and 67, based on your birthday. The SSA has a calculator you can use to determine your full retirement age.
If you apply for Social Security retirement benefits before you reach your full retirement age, your benefits are reduced until your 66th or 67th birthday. On the other hand, delaying your benefits after you reach full retirement age can earn you delayed retirement credits to increase your monthly benefit amount.
Can You Collect Social Security Disability and Retirement Benefits Simultaneously?
You cannot collect Social Security disability and retirement benefits at the same time. If you have limited financial resources, though, you might qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits in addition to your retirement benefits. SSI benefits are based on financial need, not your work history or whether you’ve hit retirement age. Our Social Security disability lawyers can assist you with applying for SSI benefits, so you have the financial resources to take care of yourself.
Social Security Retirement Benefits and Medicare
Medicare is a separate program from Social Security, which means the rules for applying for Medicare are different than those for applying for Social Security disability or retirement benefits. You can apply for Medicare coverage starting at age 65, and it’s a smart move to apply as soon as possible once you reach that age. As the SSA notes, waiting more than three months after your 65th birthday to apply for Medicare could cause you to be subject to higher Part B or Part D premiums later on.
Can You Choose When to Convert Your Social Security Disability Benefits to Retirement Benefits?
No, you cannot control when your SSDI benefits convert. The SSA will convert them for you when you reach full retirement age. You cannot wait until after your full retirement age to convert them in hopes of increasing your monthly payment. Once you reach retirement age, your SSDI benefits will convert without any input from you.
Talk To Our Social Security Disability Lawyers Now
Our California Social Security disability attorneys can review your situation. If you need to apply for SSDI, we can assist with that. If you need to appeal a claim denial, we can help. We can guide you throughout your entire interaction with the SSA. Call the Disability Advocates Group now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
