Can I Get SSDI Benefits During Retirement?
Whether you are planning to retire soon or are already retired, you might be wondering if it is possible to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits during retirement, especially if you were injured recently or have been receiving SSDI benefits for quite some time. In short, the answer is that SSDI benefits will convert to Social Security retirement benefits once you reach your retirement age. Depending upon your current situation, this may mean that you continue to receive the same amount that you have been receiving (if you currently receive SSDI benefits), or you may be ineligible to obtain additional benefits.
Our national disability benefits attorneys can explain in more detail, and we can speak with you today about your case if you have any questions or need assistance.
SSDI Benefits Will Convert at Retirement Age
The Social Security Administration (SSA) clarifies that any SSDI payments a person is receiving will convert to regular Social Security retirement benefits when the recipient reaches retirement age. Here is what the SSA says specifically: “Social Security disability benefits automatically change to retirement benefits when disability beneficiaries become full retirement age. The law does not allow a person to receive both retirement and disability benefits on one earnings record at the same time.”
Accordingly, if you are not yet of full retirement age and are applying for or receiving SSDI benefits, you should anticipate that they will change to regular retirement benefits once you reach full retirement age (usually 70). If you are currently retired and have become disabled, you cannot receive additional SSDI or SSI benefits on top of your Social Security retirement benefits.
After Retirement Age, No Need to Have Your Disability Reassessed
Once you do reach retirement age, you will no longer have to anticipate that your medical condition will be reassessed to ensure that you still meet the medical requirements for SSDI payments. Rather, since you have reached full retirement age, you will simply receive your Social Security retirement benefits. If you have any questions about how the process will change for you, it is important to talk with a lawyer.
Private Disability Benefits May Be Different
While you cannot receive SSDI or SSI benefits on top of Social Security retirement benefits (as we have explained, your SSDI or SSI will essentially convert to Social Security retirement benefits), you may still be able to receive private disability benefits if you are receiving those or are eligible for them. There may be certain other disability benefits that you are also still entitled to receive.
To determine which benefits you are and are not eligible to receive, you should discuss your specific circumstances with a disability benefits lawyer who can help.
Contact a National SSDI Benefits Attorney
Disability benefits can be complicated, and it is important to have an attorney on your side. Whether you need help applying for benefits or appealing a decision, an experienced national SSDI benefits lawyer at the Law Offices of Stephen Barszcz is here to help. Do not hesitate to get in touch with us to find out more about how we can assist you.
Source:
faq.ssa.gov/en-us/Topic/article/KA-01861
