Summary
Social Security disability, retirement, SSI, and public pension benefits can interact in different ways depending on your age, work history, and the type of benefits you receive. Understanding how these programs work together can help you know what to expect as you approach retirement age.
Many people approaching retirement age wonder whether they can receive both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Social Security retirement benefits at the same time. The answer depends on your circumstances, but in most cases, you cannot receive full disability and retirement benefits simultaneously.
What Happens to SSDI When You Reach Full Retirement Age?
If you are receiving SSDI, your benefits will automatically convert to Social Security retirement benefits when you reach your full retirement age.
For most people, the monthly benefit amount stays the same. The primary difference is that you are no longer receiving disability benefits; you are receiving retirement benefits instead.
What If You Take Social Security Retirement Benefits Early and Later Become Disabled?
If you choose to begin collecting Social Security retirement benefits early, your monthly benefit will be permanently reduced.
However, if you later become disabled and qualify for SSDI, Social Security may increase your benefit amount to the higher disability rate. In some cases, this can result in a larger monthly payment than you were receiving under early retirement benefits alone.
Can You Receive SSI and Social Security Retirement Benefits?
The rules are different for individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income disability payments (SSI).
If you become eligible for Social Security retirement benefits at age 62, Social Security may require you to apply for those benefits. Since retirement benefits count as income, your SSI payment may be reduced or, in some cases, eliminated altogether.
Unlike SSDI, SSI does not automatically convert to retirement benefits at full retirement age. SSI is a needs-based program that has strict income and resource limits.
Can You Receive a Public Pension and Social Security Benefits?
Many people also have questions about public pensions. Receiving a pension through a public retirement system, such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, or a federal retirement program, does not automatically prevent you from receiving Social Security benefits.
Eligibility depends largely on your work history and whether you paid Social Security taxes long enough to qualify for benefits.
If you worked in both public-sector and private-sector employment, you may be eligible for both a pension and Social Security benefits. The amount you receive will depend on your earnings history and the specific retirement systems involved.
Understanding How Disability, Retirement, SSI, and Pension Benefits Work Together
The interaction between SSDI, Social Security retirement benefits, SSI, and public pension programs can be complicated.
If you have questions about your eligibility or are approaching retirement age while receiving disability benefits, our office can help you understand your options and how your benefits may be affected.
