What Happens To Social Security Disability Benefits After Age 65?

“Frustrating” is the best one-word description of the application process for disability benefits through the Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income programs. Only about one-third of the applications for disability benefits submitted each year are approved during the initial review process.

If you succeed in obtaining SSI or SSDI benefits, you may have heard that something happens to the benefits when you turn age 65. The disability lawyers at Keener Law put together this blog post to answer the common questions people have about their Social Security disability benefits after age 65.

Types Of Disability Benefits

The two disability benefit programs administered by the Social Security Administration are Social Security Disability Insurance, commonly called SSDI, and Supplemental Security Income, commonly referred to as SSI. The SSDI program pays benefits to disabled workers who paid into the Social Security Retirement System through taxes levied on their earnings from jobs or self-employment income.

SSI is a need-based program available to people with low income and limited resources. A work record is not required to qualify for benefits through SSI, but you must be blind or disabled to qualify for the program. Individuals aged 65 and older who meet the financial requirements may qualify for benefits through SSI without a disability or blindness.

Disability Benefits After Age 65 For People Receiving Qualifying For SSI

The SSI program is not associated with the Social Security retirement system, so SSI disability benefits after age 65 do not change. As long as you continue to meet the eligibility rules, your SSI disability benefits continue after you reach age 65. The eligibility rules include the following:

• You must have little or no income or financial resources. For example, resources available for the acquisition of food or shelter may not exceed a total value of $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for eligible couples.
• You must be at least 65 years of age unless you have a qualifying disability or are blind.
• Individuals younger than 65 may qualify if they are blind or have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that limits their ability to work. The impairment must be expected to last for at least one year or result in death.

Other requirements to qualify for SSI benefits include being a U.S. citizen or national and residing in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands. As long as you continue to meet the medical and financial eligibility requirements for the program, your SSI benefits continue beyond age 65. If unsure whether you qualify for benefits, speak to a disability lawyer at Keener Law.

SSDI Benefits After Age 65

The normal retirement age to be eligible for Social Security retirement benefits was age 65 in the early years of the Social Security retirement system. Amendments to the Social Security Act increased the normal retirement age. If you were born in 1960 or later, you may retire with Social Security retirement benefits at age 67.

Workers who cannot work because of a qualifying disability may receive SSDI payments each month until they reach normal retirement age. At retirement age, SSDI payments automatically convert to retirement benefits. For example, if you were born in 1960 and receive SSDI benefits, the payments will continue after you reach age 67. The only difference is that the payments will be designated as retirement instead of disability benefits.

One of the advantages of reaching the normal retirement age is that Social Security no longer uses your ability to work as an eligibility requirement. Another advantage is that your monthly retirement benefit may increase.

If you qualified for payments through workers’ compensation, the compensation benefits may have reduced your disability benefit. When you reach normal retirement age, the workers’ compensation amount no longer affects the monthly payment you get from Social Security.

Do You Need To Contact Social Security When You Reach Age 65?

There is nothing that you need to do regarding SSD benefits after age 65. If you receive SSI benefits, they will continue as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.

If you receive SSDI benefits, the payments automatically convert to retirement benefits when you reach normal retirement age. Social Security automatically handles it, so you should not see any interruption or change in the payments.

Learn More About SSD Benefits After Age 65 From A Disability Lawyer

Whether you have questions about Social Security disability benefits or need assistance with a new application or representation to appeal a denial, the disability team at the Keener Law Firm has the experience and knowledge to make a difference. Keener Law provides outstanding representation for clients in Georgia and throughout the United States. Learn more about how we can help by contacting us for a free consultation with a disability lawyer.