Will my SSDI automatically convert to retirement benefits at FRA without me applying?
Hi everyone, I've been on SSDI for about 7 years now (I'm 65 and a half). My Full Retirement Age is coming up in 6 months, and I'm confused about what happens next. I know that SSDI benefits convert to regular Social Security retirement benefits when you reach FRA, but do I need to do anything to make this happen? Do I need to submit a new application, or call SSA, or will everything just switch over automatically? Will my payment amount stay exactly the same? I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone who's gone through this transition already. My local office is impossible to reach by phone, and the last time I went in person I waited 3 hours only to be told to come back another day.
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Emily Nguyen-Smith
You don't need to do anything at all. Your SSDI will automatically convert to retirement benefits when you reach your Full Retirement Age. The SSA handles this conversion internally - no new application needed. Your benefit amount will remain exactly the same, and there won't be any interruption in your payments. The only difference you might notice is that certain SSDI restrictions (like the substantial gainful activity limits) no longer apply once you're on retirement benefits.
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Edison Estevez
•Thank you so much! That's a huge relief. So I won't even need to contact them? I was worried I'd miss something important and my benefits would get messed up.
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James Johnson
same thing happened with my husband last year. literally nothing changed, same payment date, same amount. they dont even send you a letter saying it switched lol
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Edison Estevez
•Really? Not even a notification letter? That's kind of strange but I guess if everything continues smoothly, that's all that matters.
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Sophia Rodriguez
The transition is automatic, but I would still recommend checking your MySocialSecurity account online after your FRA date. Just to make sure everything converted properly. Sometimes there can be glitches in their system. It's rare but it happens. Also, important point: if you were getting Medicare before FRA due to disability, that will continue without any changes too.
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Mia Green
•This! Always double check everything with SSA. My cousin's benefits didn't switch right and it took him 4 months to fix the problem. Better safe than sorry!
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Emma Bianchi
I went thru this exact thing last year and its 100% automatic but i still TRIED to call SSA about it because i was paranoid lol. gave up after being on hold for 2 hours. ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an agent in about 20 minutes. they had a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. the agent confirmed everything was fine and would transition automatically. i probably didn't need to call but it gave me peace of mind!
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Edison Estevez
•Thank you for sharing this! I might use that service just to confirm everything's on track. Peace of mind would be worth it - I always worry about anything related to my benefits.
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Lucas Kowalski
WRONG INFORMATION being given here!!! You absolutely DO need to apply for retirement benefits!!! SSDI and retirement are COMPLETELY DIFFERENT PROGRAMS!!! My brother lost 3 months of benefits because no one told him this!!!
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Emily Nguyen-Smith
•This is incorrect. SSDI automatically converts to retirement benefits at FRA. The Social Security Administration handles this transition internally. SSA's own website confirms this: "When you reach full retirement age, we will automatically convert your disability benefits to retirement benefits, but the amount remains the same." You do NOT need to apply.
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Olivia Martinez
Just to add a data point, my SSDI converted to retirement last month, and the only difference is now I can work as much as I want without worrying about the earnings limit. Payment stayed the same to the penny.
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Edison Estevez
•That's good to know, especially about being able to work without the SGA limits. I don't think I'll be working much, but it's nice to have the option if I want to pick up a few hours somewhere.
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Mia Green
my sister went through this last year and she said one thing nobody tells you is that after you convert to retirement you start getting those COLA increases every january! her first one was like $125 more per month
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Sophia Rodriguez
•Just to clarify - SSDI recipients also receive the annual COLA increases, just like retirement beneficiaries do. The COLA applies to all Social Security benefits, including disability. So this wouldn't be a new thing after conversion.
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Edison Estevez
Thank you all for the helpful information! It's a relief to know I don't need to do anything special for the transition. I think I'll still try to contact SSA just to make sure everything is set up correctly in their system. Better safe than sorry!
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Emily Nguyen-Smith
•That's a good approach. While the process is automatic, it never hurts to verify. If you do contact them, make sure to have your Social Security number, birthdate, and any recent correspondence from SSA handy - it'll help the conversation go more smoothly.
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