Can I switch from Survivor Benefits to SSDI at 66? Confused about SSDI benefit amounts and Medicaid costs

There are a few misunderstandings I want to clear up for you. First, at age 66, you're already at Full Retirement Age (FRA), so you wouldn't apply for SSDI - that program is for people under FRA who become disabled. Once you reach FRA, disability benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits anyway. As for your current survivor benefits, they're based on your late husband's earnings record. You could potentially switch to your own retirement benefits if they would be higher, but that would depend on your own work history. Regarding Medicare vs. Medicaid: Medicare is what you get at 65+ or on SSDI (after 24 months). Medicaid is income/asset-based and varies by state. Medicare has premiums (Part B is $207.90/month in 2025 for most people) while Medicaid typically has minimal or no costs but stricter eligibility.

my sister got ssi disabilty for her artharitis but shes only 58 so maybe thats different??? dont they have the special low income medicare savings program thing too maybe check that out

Since you're 66 and already at Full Retirement Age (FRA), the disability program (SSDI) isn't relevant for you anymore. SSDI benefit amounts are calculated the same way as retirement benefits - based on your lifetime earnings. They're not a set amount for everyone. At your age, you have two options: 1. Continue receiving survivor benefits based on your late husband's work record 2. Switch to your own retirement benefits if they would be higher You can actually request a benefit calculation from SSA to see which would be higher. As for Medicare vs. Medicaid - these are completely different programs. Medicare is federal health insurance that you qualify for at 65, while Medicaid is state-run assistance for those with limited income and resources. SSDI beneficiaries get Medicare after a 24-month waiting period, not Medicaid. You might want to look into assistance programs for your arthritis - perhaps contact the Arthritis Foundation for resources.

The SSA system is TOTALLY BROKEN when it comes to helping seniors with disabilities!!! I had almost the EXACT same situation with my mother last year - she had severe arthritis and was on survivor benefits. We tried for MONTHS to figure out if she qualified for any additional help. Every time we called SS, we got disconnected or had to wait 2+ HOURS!!! One agent told us one thing, the next told us something completely different. It's a NIGHTMARE trying to get straight answers!!! Have you looked into applying for the Medicare Extra Help program? That at least helped my mom with prescription costs for her arthritis meds. The whole system is designed to confuse elderly people so they give up trying to get benefits they deserve!!

I used to work for Social Security (retired now). Let me clarify: SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is only for people under Full Retirement Age. Since you're 66, you're already at FRA, so disability benefits aren't applicable - you'd just receive regular retirement benefits. Also, there's a difference between Medicare and Medicaid: - Medicare: Federal health insurance program mainly for 65+ (you likely have this) - Medicaid: Need-based program run by states for people with limited income/resources If your arthritis is severely affecting your daily living, look into: 1. Medicare Extra Help for prescription costs 2. State assistance programs 3. Whether your own retirement benefit might be higher than your current survivor benefit

ive been on ssdi for 10 yrs for back pain and just turned 65. my ssdi just automatically changed to regular retirement benefits at my full retirement age. nothing changed with the amount. medicare is what u get with ss after 65 not medicaid. medicaid is for really poor ppl and each state runs that different

I wanted to add another important point: Since you're dealing with worsening arthritis, you should look into applying for assistance with daily living activities if needed. Some options to consider: 1. Check if your state has any Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) programs 2. Look into whether you qualify for any Medicare Advantage plans that offer additional services for people with chronic conditions 3. Contact your Area Agency on Aging for local resources These won't increase your Social Security benefit amount, but they might help with practical assistance for your arthritis symptoms.

my aunt got a special thing called medicare savings program that pays her medicare premium, maybe look into that??

Just to summarize what you've learned: 1. At 66, you're already at Full Retirement Age, so SSDI isn't applicable (it automatically converts to retirement at FRA) 2. Your options are either survivor benefits OR your own retirement benefits (whichever is higher) 3. Medicare is what you have at 66, not Medicaid 4. Look into Extra Help program for prescription drug costs 5. Consider contacting your Area Agency on Aging for arthritis support services It sounds like staying on survivor benefits is likely your best option financially, but it's worth having SSA do a calculation to confirm this. The resources others have suggested for managing your arthritis costs are excellent next steps.