You can receive both Social Security retirement benefits and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) at the same time, but the rules depend on your age and when you became disabled.

If you are receiving SSDI and reach your full retirement age, your disability benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits at the same rate. You do not receive both payments — the system switches one to the other. If you became disabled before reaching full retirement age and continue to work, you may face earnings limits that reduce your benefits.

If you are already receiving retirement benefits and then become disabled, you cannot switch to SSDI. Social Security will not pay you a higher disability rate once you have started taking retirement. The only exception is if you are under full retirement age, still working, and your earnings exceed the annual limit — in that case, your benefits may be reduced regardless of which type you receive.

Key Takeaways

  • SSDI converts to retirement benefits automatically when you reach full retirement age; you receive one payment, not two.
  • If you are on SSDI and working, your earnings above a certain annual amount will reduce your benefits until you reach full retirement age.
  • Once you start taking retirement benefits, you cannot switch to SSDI even if you later become disabled.
  • Spouses and children may receive benefits on your Social Security record whether you are collecting retirement or disability.
  • The Social Security Administration (SSA) tracks your record automatically; you do not need to report the conversion yourself.

How SSDI converts when you reach full retirement age

Your full retirement age depends on your birth year. For people born in 1960 or later, full retirement age is 67. When you reach that age, the SSA converts your SSDI to retirement benefits without any action on your part.

The payment amount stays the same during the conversion. You will see a letter from the SSA explaining the change, but your monthly deposit continues at the same rate. This is different from voluntarily claiming retirement benefits early — the conversion happens automatically and does not involve a choice on your part.

Earnings limits and how they affect your benefits

If you are receiving SSDI and working, you can earn up to a certain amount each year without losing benefits. For 2024, that amount is $1,550 per month (the figure changes annually). Once your monthly earnings exceed that threshold, the SSA reduces your benefits by $1 for every $2 you earn above the limit.

This earnings limit applies only until you reach full retirement age. After that, there is no earnings limit — you can work and earn as much as you want without any reduction to your benefits. The SSA calls the period before full retirement age the "trial work period" and the "nine-month grace period," which are designed to let you test your ability to work without immediately losing all support.

If you are receiving retirement benefits and working, the same earnings limit applies before you reach full retirement age. Once you reach full retirement age, earnings do not affect your benefits at all.

What happens if you claim retirement early and then become disabled

If you have already started taking retirement benefits before full retirement age and then become disabled, the SSA will not switch you to SSDI or increase your payment. Your retirement benefit rate is locked in at whatever you claimed, even if SSDI would have paid more.

This is one reason some people delay claiming retirement benefits — if you become disabled before reaching full retirement age, SSDI may pay a higher amount based on your full retirement age benefit. Once you have claimed retirement, that option is gone. You can contact the SSA to discuss your situation, but the general rule is that switching from retirement to disability is not possible.

Family members who can receive benefits on your record

Whether you are collecting SSDI or retirement benefits, your spouse, ex-spouse, and children may be able to receive their own payments based on your Social Security record. These are separate payments and do not reduce what you receive.

Your spouse can claim at full retirement age or wait until you reach full retirement age to claim a spousal benefit. Children under 19 (or 19 if still in high school full-time) can receive benefits, as can adult children who became disabled before age 22. An ex-spouse can claim on your record if you were married for at least 10 years and are at least 62 years old.

Family members do not need to report their own work earnings to you — they report directly to the SSA. If they are working and under full retirement age, the same earnings limits apply to their benefits as apply to yours.

How to report changes to the SSA

If your work status changes, your living situation changes, or you have a significant life event, you should report it to the SSA. You can do this online through your my Social Security account at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office.

The SSA does not automatically know about changes in your earnings or employment. If you are on SSDI and your income rises above the earnings limit, you need to report it so the SSA can adjust your benefits correctly. Failing to report can result in an overpayment that you will be asked to repay later.

If you are unsure whether a change affects your benefits, contact the SSA before the change happens. They can tell you what to report and when.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive SSDI and retirement benefits at the same time?

No. When you reach full retirement age, your SSDI automatically converts to a retirement benefit at the same rate. You receive one payment, not two. The conversion is automatic and requires no action on your part.

What if I am on SSDI and I get a job?

You can work and earn up to $1,550 per month (in 2024) without losing benefits. Above that amount, your benefits reduce by $1 for every $2 you earn. This limit applies only until you reach full retirement age; after that, you can earn any amount without penalty.

If I claimed retirement early, can I switch to SSDI later?

No. Once you have started taking retirement benefits, you cannot switch to SSDI even if you become disabled. The SSA will not increase your payment or change your benefit type. This is why some people delay claiming retirement if they are not yet at full retirement age.

Do I have to tell Social Security when my earnings change?

Yes. If you are on SSDI or retirement benefits and working, you should report changes in your earnings to the SSA. You can report online through your my Social Security account, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local office. Reporting prevents overpayments later.

Can my family members receive benefits on my SSDI record?

Yes. Your spouse, ex-spouse, and children may receive separate benefits based on your Social Security record. These payments do not reduce what you receive. Children must be under 19 (or 19 if in high school), and adult children must have become disabled before age 22.