The age of 65 is often associated with retirement. If you receive disability benefits and are approaching retirement age, you may have questions about how retirement may affect your ongoing entitlement to disability benefits. Understandably, you want to do all that you can to protect those benefits. Let’s take a closer look at the law together.
Continuing Disability Review
First and foremost, it’s essential to realize that for as long as you remain disabled, you should continue to receive Social Security disability benefits. Periodically, however, the Social Security Administration will require updates on our condition and proof of your continued inability to work as a result of that condition. This is often known as a Continuing Disability Review.
Depending upon the severity of your condition, you may undergo a Continuing Disability Review every 18 months, three years, or seven years. Generally, if your disability is expected to improve over time, disability reviews will be more frequent.
When you receive notice of a Continuing Disability Review, responding as soon as possible is essential. Failing to respond or a prolonged delay in response could result in a discontinuation of your benefits. Understandably, participating in a Continuing Disability Review may seem intimidating or confusing. If this is the case, consulting an attorney who knows and understands the law is important.
It is also important to regularly see a doctor to document your condition and its ongoing effects on your daily life. Doing so will ensure that you have the medical proof you need and that you can provide that proof to the Social Security Administration if it is requested.
In addition to ensuring that you continue to have a disabling medical condition, the Social Security Administration will often also periodically check in regarding your work status. If you return to work while receiving benefits, there are cases in which you may continue to receive benefits for a limited period of time. However, it is essential that you notify the Social Security Administration of any return to work when you do so.
If the condition remains disabling and you continue to be unable to work and are not earning other income, benefits should be ongoing until you reach retirement age. At that point, your disability benefits will automatically convert to retirement benefits. Let’s take a closer look at the nature of retirement benefits and when you might reach eligibility.
What is Full Retirement Age?
Previously, full retirement age for all adults was 65 years. That changed in 1983. At that time, the Social Security Administration implemented a system that determined the full retirement age based on birthdate. Under the current system, full retirement age is determined as follows:
- Born in 1938: 65 years and 2 months
- Born in 1939: 65 years and 4 months
- Born in 1940: 65 years and 6 months
- Born in 1941: 65 years and 8 months
- Born in 1942: 65 years and 10 months
- Born in 1943 through 1954: 66 years
- Born in 1955: 66 years and 2 months
- Born in 1956: 66 years and 4 months
- Born in 1957: 66 years and 6 months
- Born in 1958: 66 years and 8 months
- Born in 1959:66 years and 10 months
- Born in 1960 or later: 67 years
As a general rule then, turning 65 will not in and of itself automatically change your entitlement to or receipt of SSDI benefits. When you reach full retirement age, which, as noted, will be between the ages of 66 and 67, depending on your birthdate, your SSDI benefits will convert to retirement benefits.
Fortunately, this is a relatively simple transition. Your benefits are not usually interrupted, nor does the amount you receive decrease. Ultimately, it is largely a matter of changing the name of the benefit rather than the benefit amount itself. Benefits should continue to be received on a regular schedule and in their usual amount.
All of this information may seem confusing and complicated and that’s understandable. The law can seem complex, and when you’re dealing with a disability, the last thing you need is added stress and worry over legal matters. That’s why you need a knowledgeable and experienced legal team on your side. It’s why we’re here for you.
Call Muse Disability Today
At Muse Disability, we know that a disability can be difficult in many ways – particularly as you age. While we can’t stop the aging process, we can assure you that when you choose us, you are choosing a team that will fight every day to pursue and protect the benefits you need and deserve. We know and understand the law, and we’re here to help you through this process each step of the way. If you’re ready to get started, give us a call today. We look forward to speaking with you soon.