What happens to your Social Security Disability Benefits when you reach maximum retirement age?

When you reach the age at which you are eligible to receive Social Security retirement benefits, also known as your “full retirement age” (FRA), your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits will automatically convert to retirement benefits.

Your Social Security retirement benefit amount will be based on the same formula that is used to calculate the benefits of someone who has never received SSDI. The benefit amount will take into account the amount of your earnings and the age at which you start receiving benefits. In most cases, people who receive SSDI benefits before they reach their full retirement age will get a smaller retirement benefit than if they had waited to start receiving benefits until they reach their full retirement age.

It’s important to note that if you are receiving both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits when you reach your full retirement age, SSDI benefits will convert to retirement benefits, but SSI benefits will not. SSI benefits are based on financial need and are not tied to your work history, so they do not stop when you reach your full retirement age.

It’s also important to mention that if you were receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and your condition improves, Social Security Administration (SSA) may review your case, if so and they determine that you are no longer disabled and able to work, your benefits will be terminated.