How SSDI & SSI Change When You Reach Retirement Age
Introduction: Will Your Disability Benefits Change as You Get Older?
If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you might wonder what happens to your benefits when you reach retirement age.
Do your payments stop? Will you need to reapply for Social Security? The good news is that most disability beneficiaries will continue receiving benefits, but some key changes may affect how much you receive.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ What happens to SSDI when you reach 62 or 65
✅ How SSI benefits change as you get older
✅ Can you get both SSDI and Social Security Retirement?
✅ What happens to Medicare & Medicaid coverage?
✅ How to plan financially for the transition
Let’s break it all down!
What Happens to SSDI at Retirement Age?
If you are receiving SSDI, your benefits will automatically convert to Social Security Retirement benefits when you reach your full retirement age (FRA).
Key Facts About SSDI and Retirement Age:
✔ You don’t have to do anything—your benefits switch automatically.
✔ Your monthly payment amount stays the same.
✔ SSDI converts to Social Security Retirement at your Full Retirement Age (FRA), which is 66 or 67, depending on your birth year.
💡 If you turn 62, nothing changes—your SSDI benefits continue as usual.
Will My Benefits Be Reduced?
No! Unlike people who take early retirement (which reduces their benefits), SSDI recipients continue receiving their full amount when benefits convert to Social Security Retirement.
What Happens to SSI at Retirement Age?
If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), things may change once you turn 62 or 65, depending on your financial situation.
Key Changes to SSI at 65:
✔ You may qualify for Social Security Retirement (if you have enough work credits).
✔ If you don’t qualify for Social Security, SSI will continue, but payment amounts may change.
✔ Some states increase SSI benefits for seniors through state supplements.
💡 If you qualify for both SSI and Social Security Retirement, your total SSI payment may decrease—but you’ll still receive income from both programs.
Can You Get Both SSDI and Social Security Retirement?
No. SSDI automatically converts into Social Security Retirement, so you cannot receive both at the same time.
However, you may be able to receive SSI in addition to Social Security Retirement if your income and assets remain low.
Can I Collect SSDI and SSI at the Same Time?
Yes! If your SSDI payment is low, you may qualify for SSI to supplement your income.
💡 Example: If your SSDI payment is $900 per month, you may still qualify for a partial SSI payment since the SSI federal benefit rate is $943/month in 2025.
Medicare & Medicaid: What Changes at Retirement Age?
When your disability benefits convert to retirement benefits, your health coverage may also change.
SSDI → Medicare
✔ SSDI recipients are automatically enrolled in Medicare after 24 months.
✔ When you reach 65, you continue Medicare coverage like any retiree.
SSI → Medicaid
✔ If you receive SSI, you likely have Medicaid.
✔ Medicaid usually continues after age 65, but you may also qualify for Medicare and be dual eligible.
💡 Dual Eligible? If you qualify for both Medicaid & Medicare, Medicaid can help cover Medicare premiums and co-pays.
What If You Haven’t Started Social Security Yet?
Some people wait until 62 or later to apply for Social Security. If you are still working or receive other income, you may wonder if you should start taking early retirement.
Should You Take Early Retirement at 62?
❌ If you take early retirement at 62, your monthly benefit is permanently reduced by up to 30%.
✅ If you wait until full retirement age (66-67), you get your full Social Security benefit amount.
💡 If you are already on SSDI, you don’t need to apply for retirement—it switches automatically!
How to Plan for the Transition from Disability to Retirement
Since your benefits don’t increase when SSDI converts to retirement, it’s smart to plan ahead.
1. Review Your Benefits Statement
Check your Social Security statement at SSA.gov to see:
✔ Your estimated retirement benefit amount
✔ If you qualify for additional SSI payments
2. Consider an ABLE Account for Extra Savings
If you receive SSI, you can save money in an ABLE account without losing benefits.
✔ Save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI
✔ Use funds for medical, housing, and daily expenses
3. Update Your Health Insurance Plan
If you switch from Medicaid to Medicare, look into:
✔ Medicare Savings Programs (to help with costs)
✔ Dual-eligible plans if you qualify for both Medicaid & Medicare
4. Track Your Benefits & Deposits
Use Purple to:
💜 Monitor SSI & SSDI payments before and after retirement
💜 Track EBT & SNAP benefits alongside Social Security
💜 Set alerts for payment dates and any changes to your benefits
FAQs About Disability Benefits & Retirement
Do I Need to Apply for Social Security Retirement If I’m on SSDI?
No! Your SSDI benefits automatically convert to Social Security Retirement at full retirement age (66-67).
Will My SSDI Payment Change When It Switches to Retirement?
No, your payment amount stays the same—but it is now called Social Security Retirement instead of SSDI.
Can I Collect SSI and Social Security Retirement?
Yes! If your Social Security Retirement is low, you may still qualify for SSI to supplement your income.
Will I Lose Medicaid When I Turn 65?
Not necessarily. If you qualify for both Medicaid & Medicare, you will likely have dual coverage.
What Happens If I Keep Working After 62?
If you work while receiving SSDI, SSA may review your case to see if you still qualify for disability benefits.
Conclusion: Know What to Expect When You Reach Retirement Age
✅ If you receive SSDI, it automatically converts to Social Security Retirement at full retirement age (66-67).
✅ SSI may continue, but your payment amount may change.
✅ Medicare starts automatically for SSDI recipients at 65, while SSI recipients may keep Medicaid.
✅ Planning ahead can help you manage your transition from disability to retirement.
💜 Sign Up for Purple to Track Your Disability & Retirement Benefits Easily!