Many people around the country depend on benefits to survive. Whether it be Social Security Disability Benefits or Social Security Retirement Benefits, these additional funds make a world of difference to many. Being able to pay for living expenses, food, medical costs, and more can significantly change a person’s life for the better. 

 

However, there is a lot to know when it comes to Social Security Disability Benefits. Who qualifies to receive SSDI benefits? Am I too old to receive them? Can I receive both SSDI and retirement benefits at the same time? 

 

These are just a few of the questions that many have, and Disability Associates is here to clear things up. Here’s what will happen to your Social Security Disability Benefits once you turn 66 years old. 

 

Can I Receive SSDI Benefits If I Am Over 66 Years Old? 

 

SSDI benefits are for people who have not yet reached full retirement age but have a disability or are suffering from an illness or injury that prevents them from working for one year or more. If you are currently receiving SSDI, your benefits will automatically switch to retirement benefits once you hit the full retirement age (FRA). At the time of this blog, that age is 66 years and ten months old. 

 

Will My Benefit Amount Be Affected? 

 

It is unlikely that your benefits will be affected because SSDI benefits are already calculated as though you are at full retirement age. It is most likely that any recipient who receives SSDI benefits before retirement is already receiving full benefits. With this said, you will likely not see a change in benefits once hitting FRA. 

 

What If I Chose To Receive Retirement Benefits Early & Then I Become Disabled?

 

It is an option to begin receiving retirement benefits early at the age of 62; however, this benefit amount tends to be lower than if a person were to wait until FRA. SSDI benefits generally provide more support than early retirement benefits, so many are not sure what to do if they are receiving them, and then they become disabled. 

 

A person may be able to switch from early retirement benefits to SSDI if they:

• Become disabled before reaching FRA
• Find out that an existing condition may qualify them for a higher SSDI benefit

 

While this is an option, there is a lot that goes into this process. We know that it can be tricky, and we are always here to help.

 

Our team at Disability Associates understands that the process of filing for Social Security Disability benefits can be complicated, frustrating, and overwhelming. We work with our clients to simplify and help them better understand this process. 

 

Disability Associates is always here to help. Feel free to contact us if you have any other questions or want more detailed answers.

 

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