What happens if you reach your Full Retirement Age and still have disability benefits?

If you reach your Full Retirement Age while receiving disability benefits, those benefits convert to retirement benefits. When you qualify for disability benefits under Social Security and reach your Full Retirement Age, the Social Security Administration (SSA) automatically changes your classification from disability to retirement. This transition is seamless; individuals do not need to take any action to initiate this change. The monthly benefit amount generally remains the same, but it is processed under the retirement program rather than the disability program.

The other options do not accurately reflect the policy. For instance, retaining both benefits as suggested in the first choice is not an option, as disability benefits are designed to convert upon reaching Full Retirement Age. The option requiring you to choose between two benefits misrepresents the automatic nature of the conversion process, and suggesting that benefits will decrease by 50% does not align with Social Security’s practices, as the amounts remain consistent during the transition. Understanding this process is crucial for clients nearing Full Retirement Age who may be receiving disability benefits.