What Happens at SSDI Retirement Age?

Many people worry that reaching SSDI retirement age means their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits will stop. That fear makes sense but is unfounded.

Read on to learn what really happens at SSDI retirement age. 

SSDI Converts to Retirement

SSDI is a benefit tied to your Social Security earnings record. When you reach full retirement age (FRA), SSDI converts to retirement benefits automatically. This change from disability to retirement benefits is administrative, not a medical decision. Your SSDI payment amount doesn’t change. 

What Changes When SSDI Becomes Retirement Benefits

The Benefit Name and Category Change

When you reach full retirement age, the SSA shifts your benefit from disability to retirement benefits. You get a notice explaining the change before it happens. In your online Social Security account, your benefit label also changes from disability to retirement.

Your Payment Stays the Same

Your disability and retirement benefits are both based on the amount you paid in Social Security taxes. When your SSDI switches to retirement, your SSDI payment amount remains the same. 

Example: If you receive $2,200 per month on SSDI, you get $2,200 per month of retirement.

What Stays the Same at SSDI Retirement Age 

You don’t have to fill out a form or answer any questions when it’s time for the benefit change. The SSA handles the process and alerts you beforehand. Watch for a notice from the agency.

Payment Timing Stays the Same 

Your pay date remains the same and is based on your birthday. Payment schedule by birthday is:

• 1^st – 10^th: Second Wednesday of the month
• 11^th – 20^th: Third Wednesday of the month
• 21^st – 31^st: Fourth Wednesday of the month

You continue to get payments the way you have been, either via direct deposit or a paper check in the mail. If you don’t get a payment as scheduled, contact the SSA.

Full Retirement Age (FRA) and Why It Matters

This SSDI retirement age switch only happens at “full” retirement age, which can be confusing since you’re allowed to retire earlier. Full retirement age for SSDI depends on the year you were born. Your FRA is either age 66, a few months after 66, or 67. If you were born in 1960 or later, your full retirement age for SSDI is 67. 

That can be confusing because you can take “early” retirement at age 62 and file for Social Security retirement benefits. If you retire early, your benefit is reduced. While you can take early retirement instead of waiting until FRA, your early retirement payment could be as much as 30% less than your SSDI benefit.  

Work and Earnings After Full Retirement Age

While you are on SSDI, you must meet the SSA’s disability rules about working. When your benefits switch to retirement, those rules no longer apply. You won’t have any more Continuing Disability reviews either.

Want to know more about working while on SSDI? Learn rules for working part time or self-employment.

Retirement and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

This article focuses on SSDI. Retirement affects Supplemental Security Income differently. SSI benefits are awarded when you have a condition that prevents you from working, but not enough work credits to get SSDI. SSI is awarded in cases of limited income and resources.

Before you reach full retirement age, the SSA may ask you to apply for early retirement benefits. Retirement benefits may offset your SSI payment, but the total amount you get monthly should remain the same.

Example: You receive $994 in SSI. You’re eligible for $500 a month in retirement benefits. Your SSI drops to $494, and you continue to get $994 from combined benefits.

When to Contact Social Security

This transition should be smooth. If it’s not, you want to find out why.

Contact the SSA if:

• A monthly payment does not arrive when expected
• You receive a notice that doesn’t make sense
• Your benefit type doesn’t match what a notice said

Your online Social Security account can also help you confirm the benefit type changed and provide details. If you don’t use an online account, call the SSA or go to your local office.

How Advocate Can Help

If you are researching or already filed for disability benefits and haven’t been approved yet, Advocate can help. Our disability specialists can help you apply or appeal a denial. We can also prepare you for an administrative law judge (ALJ) hearing and represent you in court.

FAQ: SSDI Retirement Age Questions 

Will I get a letter from Social Security?

Yes. You get a notice saying SSDI converts to retirement benefits and listing the effective month of the change. It says the effective month of the change and the benefit amount.

Can I get SSDI and retirement at the same time?

You can take early retirement while you apply for SSDI but that may reduce your final disability payment if you’re approved.

What if my payment amount changes after the switch?

If your payment changes, it could be because of a Medicare withholding, overpayment recovery, or other issue. Contact the SSA to find out why your payment is different.