Do benefits change when you reach retirement age?
By Hogan Smith
Updated 04/18/2025
While receiving disability benefits, many people wonder what happens when they reach full retirement age. Does the benefit stop? Will the payment amount change? The good news is that most people will not see a reduction in their benefit, but the type of benefit may shift. Understanding how your disability benefits transition as you reach retirement age can help you plan for the future and avoid any surprises.
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What Happens to Your Disability Benefits at Full Retirement Age?
When you reach your full retirement age (FRA)—typically between age 66 and 67 depending on your birth year—your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits automatically convert into Social Security retirement benefits.
- No need to reapply.
- No interruption in payment.
- No change in the amount.
This is a seamless administrative change done by the Social Security Administration (SSA). You’ll continue receiving the same monthly benefit, but it will be labeled differently on your records.
Do Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits Change?
If you’re receiving SSI, the transition to retirement may involve some re-evaluation:
- Retirement benefits may count as income, which could reduce or even eliminate your SSI.
- The SSA will reassess your eligibility based on income and resource limits.
- If you start receiving Social Security retirement benefits, you might lose SSI or have it adjusted accordingly.
How About Medicare?
If you were already receiving Medicare due to disability (which starts after 24 months of SSDI), your coverage continues unchanged when your benefits convert to retirement.
- No need to re-enroll.
- No loss in coverage.
- Same access to Parts A and B.
Do VA Disability Benefits Change with Age?
VA disability compensation is not affected by age or retirement status. Whether you are working, retired, or reaching Medicare age, your VA disability benefits stay the same unless a formal re-evaluation is conducted and your condition has improved.
What About Early Retirement?
If you choose to take early retirement instead of applying for SSDI, your benefits will be reduced—sometimes permanently. That’s why applying for disability before retirement age, if you're eligible, often leads to higher lifetime benefits.
Key Takeaways
- SSDI automatically converts to retirement benefits at full retirement age with no reduction in amount.
- SSI may be reduced or discontinued if retirement benefits increase your income.
- Medicare coverage continues without change.
- VA disability benefits remain the same.
- Planning ahead helps ensure a smooth transition and uninterrupted benefits.
How Hogan Smith Can Help
Navigating disability benefits through retirement can get complicated—especially when multiple programs like SSDI, SSI, and VA compensation are involved. At Hogan Smith Law, we can help you:
- Understand how your benefits will transition at retirement.
- Plan ahead for changes in SSI eligibility or income thresholds.
- Assist with any necessary documentation or communication with the SSA or VA.
- Ensure that you don’t miss important deadlines or paperwork.
Contact Hogan Smith Today
If you’re approaching retirement and want to make sure your benefits continue smoothly, reach out to Hogan Smith for expert guidance. Our experienced team is ready to answer your questions and provide a free consultation. We’ll help you understand what to expect and how to protect the benefits you’ve earned.
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