Ask Larry

I have been on SS Disability since 2017. Can I Switch From SS Disability To SS Retirement Benefits Now That I'm 65 and 1 month?

Hi,

You could file an application to switch to drawing Social Security retirement benefits instead of Social Security disability (SSDI), but your monthly benefit rate will go down if you do. The reduction percentage would amount to 5/9ths of 1% for each month that you start drawing retirement benefits prior to your full retirement age (FRA). So, if for example you switch to retirement benefits 13 months before reaching your FRA, your monthly benefit amount will go down by roughly 7.22%.

I should point out though, that the reduction in your benefit rate explained above would only be temporary as long as you continue to meet the requirements for SSDI until you reach FRA. Still though, you'd would get a lower monthly rate at least until the month you reach FRA.

Generally, the only circumstances in which it might be advisable for a person drawing SSDI to consider switching to Social Security retirement benefits prior to FRA is if a) their SSDI benefits are being offset because they also receive workers compensation benefits or a public disability benefit, or b) they have an eligible spouse and/or child who could receive a higher auxiliary benefit rate because of a higher family maximum benefit (FMB) rate that might apply, or c) if the person is earning enough to cause their SSDI benefits to be suspended. If none of those apply in your case, you should almost certainly just continue drawing your SSDI benefits until they automatically convert to Social Security retirement benefits when you reach FRA.

Best, Jerry