It’s not easy to get approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. In fact, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA), between 63% to 74% of initial applications for SSDI benefits are denied. Because it is so hard to get approved in the first place, many people who receive these benefits worry about eventually losing them.
This is especially true for people who are nearing retirement age. Will your SSDI benefits stop once you reach retirement age? Will the amount you receive every month change? What changes should you expect? If you are concerned about your benefits, a Tampa Social Security disability attorney can help. But in general, here is the information you need to know:
Are you approaching age 62 and currently receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI)? You’re probably wondering what will happen to your benefits when you reach this milestone age. I’ve helped many clients navigate this transition, and there’s some important information you need to know.
Turning 62 is a significant milestone for anyone receiving SSI because it marks the age when you become eligible for early Social Security retirement benefits But how exactly does this affect your current SSI payments? Will you lose your benefits completely or will they continue? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this important transition
The Short Answer: Yes, You’ll Need to Apply for Early Retirement
If you do qualify for retirement benefits and currently receive SSI payments, you will be required to apply for early retirement when you turn 62. Your benefits do not automatically convert, so you’ll have to actively apply on your own.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires SSI recipients to apply for any other benefits they might be eligible for, including early retirement benefits. This is because SSI is considered a program of “last resort.”
Understanding SSI vs. SSDI vs. Social Security Retirement
Before we go further, let’s clarify the differences between these programs:
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): A needs-based program for people with disabilities, limited income, and resources. You don’t need work credits to qualify.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Benefits for disabled individuals who have earned enough recent work credits.
- Social Security Retirement: Benefits based on your lifetime earnings and work credits.
Many people confuse these programs, but they operate differently and have separate eligibility requirements.
What Actually Happens to My SSI When I Turn 62?
When you turn 62, several scenarios could unfold depending on your specific situation:
Scenario 1: You Qualify for Retirement Benefits
If you have enough work credits to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, the SSA will require you to apply for those benefits at age 62. But this doesn’t mean your SSI automatically ends.
What happens to your payment: Your SSI will be reduced by the amount of your retirement benefit. However, your total monthly benefit amount will stay about the same – you’ll just receive a combination of the two benefits.
For example:
- If you receive $967 in monthly SSI benefits and your early retirement benefit would be $600
- When you turn 62, you’ll get $600 in Social Security retirement benefits and $367 in SSI benefits
- Your total remains the same: $967
If your retirement benefit is higher than your SSI payment, your SSI might stop completely. In 2025, if you receive $987 or more in retirement benefits, your SSI benefit will stop.
Scenario 2: You Don’t Qualify for Retirement Benefits
If you don’t have enough work credits to qualify for retirement benefits, nothing will change with your SSI when you turn 62. Your benefits will continue as before.
When you reach age 65, your disability-based SSI will automatically convert to “aged” SSI benefits, but the benefit amount won’t change.
The Notification Process
The SSA will send you a notice around the time you turn 62, informing you about any other benefits they think you’re eligible for. If you don’t apply for these benefits within 30 days, your SSI payments could stop. This is why it’s crucial to respond promptly to any communication from Social Security.
Should I Take Early Retirement at 62?
This is a tough question that depends on your individual circumstances. Taking Social Security retirement benefits at 62 instead of waiting until full retirement age (which is 67 for people born in 1960 or later) will permanently reduce your retirement benefit by up to 30%.
If you stay on SSI, this reduction might not matter much since you’ll receive the same combined SSI/retirement amount. However, if you ever become ineligible for SSI (for example, by exceeding the asset limits), you’ll be stuck with the reduced retirement payment.
What About People Receiving Both SSDI and SSI?
If you’re a “dual beneficiary” receiving both SSDI and SSI, turning 62 won’t affect your benefits. You’ll continue receiving SSDI until full retirement age, when it automatically converts to Social Security retirement benefits. The SSA doesn’t require SSDI recipients who also get SSI to apply for early retirement at age 62 because:
- The SSA has already reduced their SSI benefit to account for the SSDI amount
- Receiving early retirement benefits wouldn’t increase their overall benefit
What About Medicare and Medicaid?
When you’re on SSI, you typically receive Medicaid coverage. If you transition to receiving only Social Security retirement benefits, you might lose Medicaid eligibility. However, you’ll become eligible for Medicare when you turn 65.
If you’re not getting SSI or Social Security retirement benefits when you’re 64, you’ll need to sign up for Medicare during your initial enrollment period (during the three months before you turn 65 to the three months after).
If you’re receiving SSI and then start getting early Social Security retirement benefits at 62, you’ll automatically be enrolled in Medicare when you turn 65.
Other Benefits You Must Apply For
In addition to retirement benefits, if you’re on SSI at age 62, you must apply for any of these benefits you may be eligible for:
- Spousal benefits
- Divorced spouse benefits
- Widow’s benefits
- Veterans’ disability compensation or pension
- Workers’ compensation payments
- Unemployment benefits
Failing to apply for any benefits you qualify for could result in losing your SSI payments.
Common Questions About SSI at Age 62
Can I stop my SSI to delay collecting retirement benefits?
Yes, if you stop receiving SSI, you won’t have to apply for retirement benefits and can delay claiming Social Security until full retirement age. This protects your higher retirement benefit amount because you won’t face the early retirement penalty. But you’ll lose SSI income in the meantime and possibly Medicaid coverage.
What if I apply for SSI at age 62?
When you apply for SSI at any age, the SSA automatically considers your application as an application for all Social Security benefits. They’ll check if you’re eligible for SSDI or retirement benefits first, and then determine if you qualify for SSI.
Can I get SSDI if I already claimed early retirement?
You can’t receive retirement benefits and SSDI simultaneously. However, if you took early retirement and then became disabled, you might be able to switch to SSDI if you qualify (by having worked at least 5 of the last 10 years). This could be advantageous since the SSA won’t lower your retirement benefit for the years you receive SSDI before reaching full retirement age.
Steps to Take When Approaching Age 62
If you’re on SSI and approaching age 62, here’s what I recommend:
- Contact Social Security about 3 months before your 62nd birthday to discuss your options
- Gather documentation of your work history to determine if you qualify for retirement benefits
- Consider consulting with a disability attorney who specializes in Social Security benefits
- Review your current income and resources to understand how changes might affect your eligibility
- Make a budget plan to prepare for potential changes in your benefit amounts
Final Thoughts
Navigating the transition from SSI to potential retirement benefits at age 62 can be confusing. The rules are complex, and every person’s situation is unique. The most important thing is to stay informed and proactive.
Remember that turning 62 doesn’t necessarily mean your total benefits will decrease – you’ll likely receive the same amount, just from different programs. However, understanding how these programs interact can help you make the best decisions for your financial future.
Have you had experience navigating this transition? What questions do you still have about what happens to your SSI when you turn 62? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
Disclaimer: This information is current as of October 2025 and is intended as general guidance. Social Security rules and payment amounts may change. Always consult with the SSA or a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Do You Need to Contact SSA to Convert to Retirement Benefits?
You will not need to do anything in order to convert your disability benefits to retirement benefits. SSA will automatically convert your benefits once you have reached full retirement age. You may not notice a change at all since the amount of benefits will remain the same.
Will Converting to Retirement Benefits Affect Your Health Insurance?
Anyone who is approved for SSDI benefits will be eligible for Medicare after a period of 24 months. At this time, you are eligible for Medicare Part A at no cost. Medicare Part A, also known as hospital insurance, pays for inpatient hospital care and certain other services.
You can also enroll in other types of coverage, including Medicare Part B, or medical insurance. Medicare Part B covers outpatient care, home health care, certain preventative services, and services provided by doctors. However, you will be required to pay a monthly premium for Part B and other types of Medicare coverage.
You will not lose this health insurance coverage once your SSDI benefits are converted to retirement benefits. This conversion will not affect your health insurance coverage.