DO YOU KEEP DISABILITY BENEFITS WHEN YOU REACH RETIREMENT AGE?

What happens to your Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits when you reach full retirement age? Do benefits stop, continue as is, or change?

When you reach your full retirement age with Social Security, your disability benefit will continue. The benefit automatically converts from a disability benefit to a retirement benefit. You don't have to do anything because the Social Security Administration does this for you.

Will your benefit amount change? No. You will receive the same amount as before. You really won't notice any difference. The check will still be sent to you from the US Treasury. When you reach full retirement age, your check will come out of the Retirement trust fund, not the Disability trust fund. The checks even look the same.

What is your full retirement age with Social Security? It depends on your birthday. If you were born between 1943 and 1954, your full retirement age is 66.

The retirement age increases if you were born later. For example:

If you were born in 1955 - Full retirement age is 66 + 2 months.

If you were born in 1956 - Full retirement age is 66 + 4 months.

When you are awarded SSDI (disability) benefits prior to your full retirement age, you actually receive your retirement benefit early. So, when you reach your full retirement age, the benefit amount does not change. (You are still eligible for annual Cost of Living Adjustments).

 

Getting approved for SSDI in the first place is tricky. It can be difficult to convince Social Security that you are disabled according to their rules. That's why most claimants trying to get disability benefits turn to a trusted advocate like the Forsythe Firm in Huntsville. We understand the law and the process and work for you to help you get approved. Get a free consultation by calling (256) 799-0297 today.