You cannot collect SSDI and Social Security retirement benefits simultaneously — when you reach full retirement age, your SSDI converts to retirement benefits at the same dollar amount

If you are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and you reach full retirement age, the Social Security Administration (SSA) automatically converts your disability payments to retirement benefits. You do not receive two separate checks. The payment amount stays the same, and the conversion happens without you needing to reapply or sign anything. From the SSA's perspective, you have simply moved from the disability program to the retirement program.

However, the picture becomes more complex if you have a spouse or ex-spouse. Under certain conditions, you may receive an additional spousal or ex-spousal benefit on top of your converted retirement benefit. Family members can also collect their own benefits based on your work record without reducing your payment. Understanding these rules matters because the SSA does not automatically calculate or pay you the highest benefit you are may have access to to — you often have to request it.

Key Takeaways

  • When you reach full retirement age, your SSDI automatically converts to retirement benefits at the same payment amount; you do not receive two separate checks.
  • Family members of an SSDI recipient — such as a spouse, ex-spouse, or child — can receive their own benefits based on your work record without affecting your payment.
  • If you are under full retirement age and have an ex-spouse or spouse aged 62 or older, you may receive a reduced spousal benefit in addition to your converted retirement benefit under certain conditions.
  • Earning income above the annual limit ($23,400 in 2024, though this changes yearly) can reduce or suspend your SSDI payments if you are under full retirement age.
  • The SSA does not automatically pay you the highest benefit you may have access to for; you must contact them to compare your retirement benefit with any spousal or ex-spousal benefit and request the higher amount.

What happens to SSDI when you reach full retirement age

Your SSDI payments do not stop when you turn full retirement age. Instead, the SSA converts your disability benefit to a retirement benefit, and the payment amount stays the same. This conversion happens automatically — you do not need to reapply or sign anything. From the SSA's perspective, you have simply moved from the disability program to the retirement program, but your monthly check remains unchanged.

Full retirement age depends on your birth year. If you were born in 1960 or later, your full retirement age is 67. If you were born between 1943 and 1954, it is 66. The SSA will notify you in writing before the conversion occurs, usually a few months in advance. You can also check your full retirement age on your Social Security statement, which you can view online through your my Social Security account.

Spousal and ex-spousal benefits while you are on SSDI or after conversion

If you are receiving SSDI and you are under full retirement age, you cannot claim a spousal benefit based on your spouse's work record. However, once you reach full retirement age and your SSDI converts to retirement, you may become may be able to access for a spousal or ex-spousal benefit if your spouse or ex-spouse is at least 62 and receiving or may be able to access for retirement benefits.

The spousal benefit is calculated separately from your retirement benefit and would be paid in addition to it. If you claim a spousal benefit before your full retirement age, it is reduced — typically 32 to 35 percent of your spouse's primary insurance amount, depending on how many months before full retirement age you claim. If you wait until full retirement age, you receive the full amount, which is 50 percent of your spouse's primary insurance amount.

For ex-spouses, you must have been married for at least 10 years, and your ex-spouse must be at least 62. The ex-spouse does not need to have claimed benefits yet for you to receive a benefit based on their record. If you remarry before age 60, you lose the right to an ex-spousal benefit, but if you remarry at 60 or later, you can still collect it.

Family members who can collect based on your SSDI record

While you are receiving SSDI, your family members may receive their own benefits based on your work record. These payments do not reduce your SSDI check. may be able to access family members include your spouse (at any age if caring for your child under 16, or at 62 or older), your ex-spouse (if married 10 years or more and at least 62), and your unmarried children under 19 (or up to 22 if in high school full-time).

Each family member receives their own benefit amount, calculated as a percentage of your primary insurance amount. The SSA sets a family maximum — typically 150 to 180 percent of your benefit — which means if multiple family members are collecting, their combined payments cannot exceed this cap. If the total would exceed the cap, each family member's payment is reduced proportionally. For example, if you receive $1,500 per month and your family maximum is $2,700, and your spouse and two children would together receive $3,000, each of their payments is reduced so the total equals $2,700.

How work income affects SSDI and retirement benefits

If you are under full retirement age and earning income, the SSA applies an earnings test that can reduce or suspend your SSDI payments. In 2024, if you earn more than $23,400 per year, the SSA deducts $1 from your benefit for every $2 you earn above that threshold. The earnings limit changes annually, and you should check the current year's limit on the SSA website or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Once you reach full retirement age, the earnings test no longer applies, and you can earn any amount without affecting your benefits. However, if you are still under full retirement age for part of the year, the earnings test applies only to the months before you reach full retirement age. For example, if you turn full retirement age in June, the earnings test applies to January through May, but not to June through December.

The SSA counts wages from employment and net income from self-employment. It does not count investment income, pensions, annuities, or other non-work income. If you are self-employed, you must report your net profit or loss, and the SSA may ask for tax returns or business records to verify your income. Report all work income to the SSA promptly to avoid overpayments.

How to request a higher spousal or ex-spousal benefit

The SSA does not automatically calculate or pay you the highest benefit you are may have access to to. If you reach full retirement age and your SSDI converts to retirement, you must contact the SSA yourself to compare your retirement benefit with any spousal or ex-spousal benefit you may may have access to for. The SSA will then pay you whichever amount is larger.

To request this comparison, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213, visit your local Social Security office, or log into your my Social Security account online. Have your ex-spouse's Social Security number ready if you are claiming based on an ex-spouse's record. The SSA will review your case and determine which benefit is higher, then adjust your payment accordingly. This process typically takes a few weeks.

Remarriage and how it affects your benefits

If you remarry, your SSDI or retirement benefit does not change. The SSA does not reduce or suspend your payment because you have married someone new. However, if you were receiving a spousal or ex-spousal benefit, remarriage before age 60 will end that benefit. Your own SSDI or retirement benefit continues unaffected.

If your new spouse is also receiving Social Security, the two of you each receive your own benefit based on your own work records. The SSA does not combine or pool benefits for married couples. Each person's payment is determined by their own earnings history and age. Report your remarriage to the SSA within 30 days to ensure your records are accurate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get 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 amount. You receive one check, not two. However, you may receive an additional spousal or ex-spousal benefit if you are may be able to access and if that benefit is larger than your retirement benefit. You must contact the SSA to request this comparison.

What if I work while on SSDI?

If you earn more than $23,400 per year (in 2024), the SSA reduces your SSDI by $1 for every $2 you earn above that limit. Once you reach full retirement age, you can earn any amount without affecting your benefits. Report all work income to the SSA promptly to avoid overpayments.

Can my spouse collect benefits based on my SSDI?

Yes. Your spouse can receive a family benefit based on your work record if they are caring for your child under 16, or if they are 62 or older. This payment does not reduce your SSDI. Each family member receives their own amount, but the total for all family members cannot exceed the family maximum, which is typically 150 to 180 percent of your benefit.

What happens to my benefits if I remarry?

Your own SSDI or retirement benefit does not change if you remarry. However, if you were receiving a spousal or ex-spousal benefit, remarriage before age 60 ends that benefit. If you remarry at 60 or later, you can continue to receive an ex-spousal benefit. Report your remarriage to the SSA within 30 days.

Do I need to tell the SSA if my family situation changes?

Yes. Report changes such as marriage, divorce, remarriage, birth of a child, or a child leaving school. These changes may affect your family members' benefits or your own may be able to access for spousal benefits. Contact the SSA by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office.