If you’re nearing retirement age and already receiving or applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you may wonder: can you get both Social Security retirement and disability benefits at the same time?
This is one of the most common questions we hear at Collins Price — and it’s an important one. The answer depends on your age, work history, and the type of benefits you receive.
The Short Answer
You cannot receive both full SSDI and Social Security retirement benefits at the same time. However, there is an important connection between the two programs. SSDI automatically converts to retirement benefits when you reach your full retirement age.
Let’s look at how that works.
Understanding SSDI and Retirement Benefits
Both SSDI and retirement benefits come from the same source — your Social Security taxes. When you work and pay into Social Security, you earn work credits that make you eligible for these benefits later in life.
-
SSDI helps people who become disabled before reaching retirement age.
-
Retirement benefits are for people who have reached the eligible age to retire, usually between 66 and 67.
When you qualify for SSDI, you’re essentially receiving your retirement benefit early because you can no longer work due to your disability.
What Happens When You Reach Full Retirement Age
When you hit your full retirement age, the SSA automatically switches your SSDI benefits to retirement benefits. The amount usually stays the same — you don’t lose money. There’s no gap or interruption in payments.
Can You Get Partial Retirement and SSDI Together?
If you apply for early retirement benefits (as early as age 62) and then later qualify for SSDI, you can receive both for a short time. However, the SSA will adjust your payments so you don’t receive double benefits for the same period.
This can be confusing, but a disability lawyer can help you understand how your benefits will be calculated.
How Benefit Amounts Are Determined
The SSA calculates your SSDI payment based on your average lifetime earnings before you became disabled. Retirement benefits are also based on those same earnings, so the two amounts are usually very similar.
To get an idea of your benefit range, check out our Social Security Disability Benefits Pay Chart.
What If You Never Worked or Paid Social Security Taxes?
If you haven’t worked enough to qualify for SSDI or retirement benefits, you may still qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is a separate program based on financial need rather than work history.
Learn more in Can You Get Social Security Disability If You Never Worked?
When to Apply for Each Program
If you are disabled and under full retirement age, apply for SSDI right away. If you are already receiving SSDI, you do not need to apply for retirement benefits separately — your payments will switch over automatically when the time comes.
If you’re unsure which benefit applies to you, a disability lawyer can review your earnings history and help you choose the right path.
Why You Should Talk to a Disability Lawyer
Rules about SSDI, SSI, and retirement benefits can be confusing. A lawyer can help you:
-
Understand which programs you qualify for
-
Avoid overpayments or benefit reductions
-
File the correct forms at the right time
-
Plan for the transition from SSDI to retirement smoothly
Key Takeaway
You can’t receive both full SSDI and retirement benefits at the same time, but one usually transitions into the other. Knowing how and when that switch happens helps you plan your finances and avoid surprises. Contact our law firm today to learn more about the relationship between disability and Social Security retirement benefits and see if you qualify for SSDI or SSI assistance.
