What Happens to SSI or SSDI When I Turn 62 or 65?

How your benefits change—and what to plan for as you age

Introduction: Do Disability Benefits Stop When You Retire?

If you receive SSI or SSDI, you might be wondering:

🎂 “What happens to my benefits when I turn 62 or 65?”

💰 “Do I have to switch to retirement benefits?”

⚖️ “Will my payment amount change?”

The short answer:

✅ Your benefits can continue—but they may change in name, structure, or eligibility.

This post explains:

✅ What happens to SSI at 62 or 65

✅ What happens to SSDI as you age

✅ How these changes impact Medicare or Medicaid

✅ How Purple helps you plan and manage smooth transitions

1. What Happens to SSDI at 62 or 65?

SSDI automatically converts to retirement benefits at your full retirement age (FRA).

For most people today, FRA is 66 or 67, depending on your birth year.

💡 Key Points

• Your monthly payment usually stays the same—you won’t lose money.

• You don’t need to reapply for retirement benefits; the change happens automatically.

• Your Medicare eligibility is not affected; if you already have Medicare from SSDI, it continues.

📌 Important: Nothing changes when you turn 62, unless you choose to take early retirement (which usually isn’t recommended for SSDI recipients).

2. What Happens to SSI at 62 or 65?

SSI is a needs-based program, so your age doesn’t automatically stop your payment—but other factors might affect it.

💡 Turning 62

• You may become eligible for Social Security retirement benefits.

• SSA expects you to apply for any other benefits you’re eligible for, which could reduce or replace your SSI.

💡 Turning 65

• You may become eligible for Medicare, depending on your work history or SSDI timeline.

• You remain eligible for SSI if your income and resources stay below the limits.

3. What Happens to Medical Coverage?

✅ Medicare

• If you have SSDI, you generally get Medicare after two years on SSDI.

• At 65, you may transition fully to Medicare regardless of SSDI or SSI status.

✅ Medicaid

• SSI recipients usually qualify for Medicaid.

• Medicaid can continue even after transitioning to retirement benefits, depending on your state.

4. What If You Get Both SSI and SSDI?

Some people receive both (known as “concurrent benefits”).

When you reach retirement age:

• SSDI converts to retirement benefits.

• SSI continues if you still meet the income and asset limits.

5. How Purple Helps You Plan for These Changes

💜 Balance Alerts

Stay under the $2,000 SSI limit, even during transitions.

💜 Smart Deposit Tagging

Track new retirement deposits separately from SSI or SSDI.

💜 Document Storage

Upload SSA notices about changes to benefits or Medicare.

💜 Companion AI Support

Our Companion AI helps you understand what age-based changes mean and how to prepare.

FAQs About SSI and SSDI at 62 or 65

⚠️ Do I have to do anything when I turn 62?

Usually no, unless you choose to file for early retirement benefits, which could reduce your overall monthly amount.

⚠️ Will my benefit amount change when SSDI converts?

No—your payment usually stays the same when SSDI converts to retirement benefits at FRA.

⚠️ Will I lose Medicaid if I start Medicare?

Not necessarily—you may have both, depending on your state and income.

⚠️ Can Purple keep handling my deposits after the transition?

Yes—your Purple account can continue to receive SSA deposits seamlessly.

Conclusion: Plan Ahead, Stay Protected

✅ SSDI converts automatically to retirement benefits at full retirement age, with no payment change.

✅ SSI continues if you still meet eligibility rules—but you must apply for retirement benefits if eligible.

✅ Purple helps you stay on track with smart tracking and planning tools.

💜 Open your Purple account today and confidently navigate age-related changes to your benefits.