August 8, 2019
I’m receiving Social Security Disability – can I still collect Social Security Retirement?
You are younger than 65 and are currently receiving Social Security Disability benefits; you are probably wondering if and when you can collect Social Security Retirement.
Rest assured, when you are receiving SSD benefits, they automatically convert to Retirement benefits once you reach full retirement age. You do not need to do anything to make that change. The Social Security Administration will change your benefits once you reach full retirement age.
However, that magic number 65 we all imagine may not be the case for everyone. Below is an outline of the official “retirement ages” according to the Social Security Administration:
- 1938 – 65 years and 2 months
- 1939 – 65 years and 4 months
- 1940 – 65 years and 6 months
- 1941 – 65 years and 8 months
- 1942 – 65 years and 10 months
- 1943 through 1954 – 66 years
- 1955 – 66 years and 2 months
- 1956 – 66 years and 4 months
- 1957 – 66 years and 6 months
- 1958 – 66 years and 8 months
- 1959 – 66 years and 10 months
- 1960 and later – 67 years
Unlike Social Security Disability, you are not limited to earnings while receiving your full Social Security Retirement benefits. This means you can continue to receive retirement benefits regardless of your income if you have reached full retirement age.
If you elect early Social Security Retirement benefits (as early as age 62) upon application for SSD but prior to being approved, this is where things get sticky. Your retirement benefit will be reduced because you are not at full retirement age; however, if you are ultimately approved for SSD, your monthly benefit will be whatever your disability benefit rate is, which could be higher than your early retirement rate.
Talking to one of our experienced Social Security attorneys is strongly recommended when considering your options for Social Security Disability, especially if you are at or near early retirement age.
Contact us today for a free consultation.