Reaching 62 or 65 while on disability brings questions about what happens to your benefits. Here's what changes—and what stays the same—at these milestone ages.
In this article, we'll cover:
- SSDI at retirement age
- SSI at 65
- Medicare and Medicaid changes
- What you need to do
- Planning for the transition
SSDI at Retirement Age
At Full Retirement Age (FRA):
- SSDI automatically converts to retirement benefits
- Same amount (usually)
- No action required by you
- Seamless transition
What is Full Retirement Age?
- Born 1943-1954: Age 66
- Born 1955-1959: Age 66 + months
- Born 1960 or later: Age 67
- Not 62 or 65 for this purpose
The conversion:
- SSA does it automatically
- You get a letter explaining change
- Same monthly amount continues
- Nothing changes in your life
At age 62:
- SSDI doesn't change at 62
- You can't switch to early retirement
- Continue receiving SSDI
- Wait until FRA for conversion
Benefits of waiting:
- SSDI is usually higher than early retirement
- Keep Medicare if you have it
- No reduction for early claiming
- Automatic at FRA
SSI at Age 65
SSI doesn't automatically change:
- No conversion to another program
- SSI continues if you're still eligible
- Same income and resource rules
- May become eligible for other programs
What might change:
- May qualify for more help
- Aged SSI vs disabled SSI (same program)
- Some state supplements change
- Additional programs available
State supplements:
- Some states add to SSI
- Rules may differ for aged vs disabled
- Could increase or decrease
- Check your state's rules
Other programs at 65:
- Medicare (if not already on it)
- Additional Medicaid benefits
- Senior services
- Senior housing options
Medicare Changes
If you're already on Medicare (SSDI):
- Coverage continues
- No changes at 62 or 65
- Same Medicare Parts A, B, D
- Keep your current coverage
If you're on Medicaid only (SSI):
- At 65, may become Medicare-eligible
- Depends on work history
- Medicare becomes primary
- Medicaid may become secondary
Medicare at 65 for SSI:
- If you have work credits → Medicare eligible
- If no work credits → May not get Medicare Part A free
- Medicaid continues
- May need both
Medicaid Changes
For SSDI recipients:
- Medicare stays primary
- Medicaid (if you have it) may change
- May qualify for Medicare Savings Program
- Extra Help for Part D
For SSI recipients:
- Medicaid usually continues
- May get Medicare too at 65
- Could have both
- Coordination between programs
Medicare Savings Programs:
- Help with Medicare costs
- QMB, SLMB, QI programs
- Based on income
- SSI recipients often qualify
Other Changes at 62
Social Security options:
- Could claim early retirement (62)
- But SSDI is usually better to keep
- Don't voluntarily switch
- SSDI isn't reduced
Why keep SSDI:
- Usually higher than early retirement
- No permanent reduction
- Medicare continues
- Same until FRA
When early retirement makes sense:
- Very rare cases
- Get professional advice first
- Usually better to stay on SSDI
- Don't assume switching is better
Other Changes at 65
Medicare enrollment:
- If not already enrolled
- Initial Enrollment Period
- 7-month window around 65th birthday
- Penalties for late enrollment
Senior programs:
- Senior centers
- Meals programs
- Transportation services
- More housing options
Employment:
- SGA rules same until FRA
- Can still work with SSDI
- Same work incentives apply
- Trial Work Period still available
What You Need to Do
For SSDI recipients:
- Nothing for the conversion
- SSA handles automatically
- Keep your address current
- Review any notices
For SSI recipients:
- Continue meeting requirements
- Report any changes
- Check for new programs you qualify for
- Update information with SSA
Everyone:
- Review Medicare coverage at 65
- Check for Medicare Savings Programs
- Update contact information
- Keep receiving mail from SSA
Planning for the Transition
Before FRA:
- Understand what will change
- Know your FRA (not 62 or 65)
- Review your Social Security statement
- Plan for any adjustments
Financial planning:
- Your income likely stays same
- May have new program eligibilities
- Review your budget
- Check benefit amounts
Healthcare planning:
- Review Medicare options
- Check Medicaid status
- Consider Medigap if needed
- Look at Part D plans
Common Questions
Will my SSDI decrease at 62? No. SSDI continues at the same amount until it converts to retirement at FRA.
Can I get both SSI and Social Security retirement? Yes, potentially. If your retirement benefit is low, SSI can supplement it.
Does my Medicare change at 65? If you already have Medicare through SSDI, it continues unchanged.
Will I lose Medicaid at 65? Usually not, but coverage rules may change. You may have both Medicare and Medicaid.
Do I need to apply for retirement benefits? If you're on SSDI, no. It converts automatically at your Full Retirement Age.
How Purple Helps
Purple supports you through benefit transitions:
- Track all your benefits in one place
- See exactly what you receive
- Get benefits early regardless of age
- Simple account for any benefit type
- No changes needed as you age
With Purple, managing your benefits stays simple at any age.