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Updated: November 8, 2024
Published: October 11, 2024

Can You Collect Social Security Disability and Retirement Benefits at The Same Time?

retirement and disability
parker trotz
Content Legally Reviewed by:
A. Parker Trotz

Mr. Trotz was recognized from 2019-2024 as a Super Lawyers Mid-South Rising Star. Mr. Trotz is also a member of the Young Lawyers Division of the Memphis Bar Association, Memphis Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association, and the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association where he serves on the Executive Committee. 

Key Takeaways:

  • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) converts to Social Security retirement benefits once you reach retirement age—with rare exceptions, you cannot collect both simultaneously.
  • To qualify for SSDI, you must be unable to work for at least one year due to a disability, be below full retirement age, and have a sufficient work history.
  • To qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must be over 65, be disabled or blind, have little or no income and resources, and meet the SSA’s definitions for disability or blindness.
  • SSDI benefits are typically equivalent to your full retirement amount.
  • Early retirement results in reduced benefits.

If you need disability benefits but are approaching retirement age, you may wonder whether you can collect SSDI and Social Security retirement benefits at the same time. While both programs provide valuable resources through the Social Security Administration (SSA), they serve separate needs. If you currently receive SSDI benefits, the funds will convert to retirement benefits once you reach full retirement age.

Our Social Security disability lawyers at NST Law are here to make sure you know your full legal rights and options. Regardless of whether you receive benefits or have reached retirement age, we can help you determine your eligibility and maximize your income. Call (800) 529-4004 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.

Can You Collect SSDI and Retirement Benefits at the Same Time?

Legislation prohibits collecting SSDI and Social Security retirement benefits at the same time. Your SSDI benefits will convert to retirement benefits once you reach full retirement age, which ranges from 65 to 67 depending on your birth year.

There is a rare exception to this rule. If you are disabled and began collecting early retirement benefits at age 62, you may apply for SSDI. If the SSA approves your claim, you will receive the difference between your SSDI and retirement benefits, but you will only qualify if your disability arose before you began receiving benefits.

How Does SSDI Differ From Social Security for Retirement?

SSDI and Social Security retirement benefits are complementary programs. SSDI assists people who are disabled but have not yet reached full retirement age. Retirement benefits begin when you reach retirement age, but you may apply early for reduced benefits.

Qualifying for Social Security Retirement Benefits

You qualify for retirement benefits through Social Security if:

  • You worked at least 10 years in jobs that pay Social Security taxes.
  • You are 62 or older.

You will receive a reduced amount if you collect Social Security retirement benefits before reaching full retirement age. The amount depends on the time remaining until you reach that age.

Alternatively, you can apply for benefits after reaching full retirement age but before reaching age 70. In this case, you receive delayed retirement credits, which increase your retirement benefits by a set annual percentage.

Qualifying for SSDI

If you have a disability preventing you from working but have not reached full retirement age, you can apply for SSDI. You must meet all disability and work history requirements to qualify for SSDI:

  • Inability to Work – You must be unable to work for at least one year due to a disability.
  • Below Full Retirement Age – You must be under full retirement age, which varies depending on your birth year.
  • Work History – You need a sufficient work history in jobs that have paid into Social Security.
  • Disability Requirements – Your disability must be on the SSA’s list of functional impairments or be severe enough to prevent you from performing “substantial gainful activity” (SGA).

SSA employees work for the government, not for you. If you are applying for SSDI, consider having an experienced attorney protecting your interests. The attorneys at NST Law have decades of combined experience representing injury victims and helping people protect their legal rights.

Should I File for Early Retirement if I Already Have SSDI?

Applying for early retirement will not benefit you if you collect SSDI and are between age 62 and full retirement age. SSDI benefits are typically equivalent to your full retirement amount. Further, opting for early retirement results in reduced benefits.

Simply keep collecting your SSDI benefits and report status changes. Your SSDI benefits will automatically convert to retirement benefits when you reach retirement age. If you receive reduced benefits as a surviving spouse, contact the SSA when you reach retirement age to adjust your benefits.

Are You Eligible for Both SSI and SSDI?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program for older adults and people with disabilities. Though the SSA administers both programs, SSDI and SSI are not the same. You can receive SSI while collecting SSDI and retirement benefits.

To be eligible for SSI, you must be over 65, disabled, or blind. Your disability or blindness must meet the SSA’s definitions. You must also have “little or no income [and] resources.” As of 2024, the standard income limit is $1,971 per month. The limit is higher for couples and families. “Resources” include cash and valuable assets. The standard resource limit is $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples.

How to Apply for Social Security Benefits

The application process for SSDI and Social Security retirement benefits is similar. The key is to have all of your documentation ready.

Applying for SSDI Benefits

If you have a disability and are below full retirement age, you may apply for SSDI. You can apply online or by calling (800) 772-1213 to set an appointment. You can also call (800) 325-0778 if you are deaf or hard of hearing.

You will be asked for detailed information about your disability and work history. Before sitting down to apply, make sure you have:

  • Your Social Security number, birthplace, and birth date
  • Documentation of your earnings
  • A list of your employers in the past two years and your employment dates
  • The names and phone numbers of your healthcare providers and medical centers where you received treatment
  • A detailed history of your medical tests and their results
  • A list of your medications
  • The names of dependent children and your spouse or former spouse

An SSA representative will review your application and contact you about the next steps. There is also an SSDI appeals process if the SSA denies your claim.

Applying for Retirement Benefits

As with disability benefits, you can complete your retirement benefits application online or by appointment. You will need:

  • Your Social Security number, birthplace, and birth date
  • A list of your employers in the past two years and your employment dates
  • Information about current and past marriages
  • Names of dependent children
  • A record of earnings

The SSA keeps records of your income based on employer reports. If you are self-employed, your information comes from your tax returns. Keeping track of this data yourself is important so you can cross-check SSA records.

The SSDI Lawyers at NST Law Can Help

Social Security benefits provide valuable resources if you become disabled or are approaching retirement age. However, correctly navigating the SSA’s application process is vital. If you have any questions, our top-tier legal team is here to help.

Our skilled lawyers at NST Law have developed a strong reputation as Champions For The Injured. We offer free case reviews and are available 24 hours a day. Call (800) 529-4004 or contact us online to schedule your no-obligation consultation.

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parker trotz
Content Legally Reviewed by:
A. Parker Trotz

Mr. Trotz was recognized from 2019-2024 as a Super Lawyers Mid-South Rising Star. Mr. Trotz is also a member of the Young Lawyers Division of the Memphis Bar Association, Memphis Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association, and the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association where he serves on the Executive Committee.