Will my SSDI convert to higher retirement benefit when my LTD stops at age 65?

no your ssdi will NOT go up when the ltd ends, it just converts to retirement benefits at the exact same amount. its a common misunderstanding but they're totally separate. sorry to be the bearer of bad news!

When you reach full retirement age (FRA), your SSDI automatically converts to retirement benefits, but the amount stays exactly the same. Social Security doesn't adjust your benefit amount based on other income sources ending. Your LTD insurance and Social Security are completely separate systems. As for the life insurance situation, you might want to look into guaranteed issue policies. They're more expensive than standard policies, but they don't require medical underwriting. Some senior organizations also offer group policies with limited underwriting requirements. If budget is a concern after your LTD ends, you might want to schedule an appointment with a Social Security representative to review if you're eligible for any additional benefits or programs like Extra Help for Medicare prescription costs or the Medicare Savings Program.

i went through same thing 2 years ago when my ltd ended. it was ROUGH! nobody warns u about this financial cliff. my ss stayed EXACTLY the same amount. had to apply for snap benefits and energy assistance. check with your county services office they might have programs to help!!!

There's a lot of confusion around this topic, so let me clarify a few things: 1. SSDI automatically converts to retirement benefits at your full retirement age (66-67 depending on birth year), but the payment amount remains the same. 2. Social Security and private LTD are separate systems. Your LTD carrier likely reduced your LTD payment because you receive SSDI (this is called "offsetting"), but Social Security doesn't work in reverse - they don't increase your benefit when LTD ends. 3. For life insurance, look into final expense policies rather than traditional life insurance. They typically offer $5,000-$25,000 in coverage specifically for funeral/burial costs and are more accessible for people with health conditions. 4. If your income will be significantly reduced, contact your Medicare plan about their Extra Help program for prescription costs, and check if you qualify for the Medicare Savings Program which can cover premiums. 5. You might also want to contact the Benefits Coordination & Recovery Center (BCRC) at 1-855-798-2627 to make sure your Medicare records are updated once your LTD ends.

The whole system is DESIGNED to leave us hanging when we need help the most!! I had the EXACT same situation with my LTD ending at 65 and guess what? Social Security couldn't care less!! They keep paying the same amount while your income drops and expenses go up. Medicare costs more, no more subsidized insurance, and they expect us to just figure it out. This is why so many seniors are living in POVERTY despite paying into the system our entire lives!!!

wait i just thought of something - did you check if your ltd carrier offers conversion options for your life insurance policy? sometimes they let you convert group coverage to individual policy without medical exam when coverage ends. might be worth calling them to ask!

My neighbor went through this last year. He said the biggest shock wasn't just the LTD ending but all the little extras that disappeared with it. His LTD also had some prescription coverage that went away. Make sure you're looking at ALL the benefits ending, not just the payment. He ended up moving to a senior apartment with subsidized rent.

btw dont forgot to check bout Extra Help for medicare prescriptions you might qualify especially after ltd stops!!! saved me like $300/month on my cancer meds!!!

I noticed someone mentioned SNAP benefits earlier. Just to add to that - when your income changes after LTD ends, you may also qualify for: 1. LIHEAP (energy assistance) 2. Property tax relief/rebate programs (if you own your home) 3. Medicaid spend-down programs to help with medical costs not covered by Medicare 4. Subsidized housing options if you're renting Many people don't realize these programs exist and are specifically designed to help in situations like yours. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging (search online for "Area Agency on Aging" + your county) - they have benefits counselors who can help you navigate all these programs for free.

As someone who's navigating similar health challenges, I really feel for your situation. Just wanted to add a couple things that might help: 1. Contact your state's SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) - they provide free counseling specifically for Medicare beneficiaries and can help you understand all your options when your LTD ends. 2. If you're getting close to the poverty line after losing LTD, you might qualify for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) as a supplement to your SSDI-turned-retirement benefits. It's worth checking since the income thresholds change. 3. For the life insurance issue, also look into whether your state has any burial assistance programs through social services - it's not the same as life insurance but could help with final expenses. The transition at 65 is definitely challenging, but it sounds like you're being smart by planning ahead. Wishing you the best as you navigate this!

I'm so sorry you're facing this difficult transition. As someone who works with seniors navigating benefit changes, I wanted to mention a few additional resources that might help: 1. Contact 211 (dial 2-1-1) - they have comprehensive databases of local assistance programs including food banks, utility assistance, and emergency financial help that might bridge the gap during your transition. 2. Many pharmaceutical companies have patient assistance programs that can dramatically reduce medication costs, even for people on Medicare. GoodRx and NeedyMeds websites have search tools to find these programs by medication name. 3. Check if your county has a "Senior Legal Aid" program - they sometimes help with benefit applications and can review your situation to make sure you're not missing any programs you qualify for. The financial cliff at 65 when LTD ends is unfortunately very real, but it sounds like you're getting great advice here about exploring all available safety net programs. The fact that you're planning ahead puts you in a much better position than many people who get surprised by this transition.

I went through this exact transition about 3 years ago and it was definitely a financial shock. Like others have said, your SSDI will convert to retirement benefits at the same dollar amount - there's no increase to compensate for lost LTD income. One thing I wish someone had told me earlier: start applying for assistance programs BEFORE your LTD actually ends, not after. Some programs have waiting periods or take time to process applications. I applied for SNAP and energy assistance about 2 months before my LTD stopped and it helped smooth the transition. Also, keep detailed records of your current expenses and the benefits you'll be losing (not just the monthly payment but things like prescription coverage, dental, etc.). Having that written down makes it easier when you're talking to benefits counselors about what programs might help fill the gaps. The first year was the hardest for me, but I did eventually find a new routine and budget that worked. You're being smart by planning ahead!

I'm really sorry to hear about the financial challenges you're facing with this transition. As a newcomer to this community, I'm learning so much from reading everyone's experiences and advice. One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet is checking if your state has a "Medicare Savings Program" (MSP) - it's different from the Extra Help program others mentioned. MSP can help pay your Medicare Part B premiums, deductibles, and co-payments if your income falls below certain thresholds after your LTD ends. Every state runs this program, but they sometimes have different names for it. Also, since you mentioned multiple cancer battles, you might want to look into whether there are any cancer-specific financial assistance organizations in your area. Groups like CancerCare and the American Cancer Society sometimes have emergency financial assistance programs that can help with things like insurance premiums, transportation to medical appointments, or utility bills during transitions like this. The community here has given you such comprehensive advice - it's clear that while this transition is challenging, there are people who understand what you're going through and resources available to help. Wishing you all the best as you navigate this!