Will my SSDI convert to very low SS retirement benefits at 67 with only 10 years work history?

Don't worry - the amount won't change when your SSDI converts to retirement benefits. At Full Retirement Age (FRA), which is 67 for people born after 1960, your disability benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits, but the payment amount stays exactly the same. Your work history already determined your benefit amount when you initially qualified for SSDI, so that won't be recalculated at conversion. The only difference is what the benefit is called in the SSA system.

same thing happend to me last year. dont worry your payment stays the EXACT same amount just different name in there system

When your SSDI converts to retirement benefits, the payment amount will remain the same. The 10 years of work means you have the minimum 40 credits needed to qualify for retirement benefits. The SSA already calculated your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) based on your lifetime earnings when you first qualified for disability. For context, SSA typically uses a 35-year work history to calculate benefits, and years with no earnings count as zeros in the calculation. That's why your benefit might be lower than someone who worked 35+ years, but whatever that calculated amount is, it's what you're already receiving and will continue to receive after conversion. The conversion is automatic - no action needed from you. You might receive a letter from SSA notifying you of the change, but your payment date and amount will remain consistent.

THEY BETTER NOT CUT YOUR BENEFITS!! I went through this 2 years ago and let me tell you the STRESS was unbearable. Social Security's communication is TERRIBLE! But yes like others said your amount stays the same. But DOUBLE CHECK your Medicare premiums don't change. Sometimes they try to sneak in changes during these conversions. The system is designed to confuse us seniors!!!

my mom had this exact worry last year! she only worked part time for like 12 years total before disability. her payment stayed exactly the same when she hit retirement age. one less thing to stress about!

I understand your concern. When I approached retirement age after being on disability for 20+ years, I was also worried about a benefit reduction. I had similar work history - only about 12 years of substantial earnings. Here's what I found helpful: I created a my Social Security account online (ssa.gov) which showed my projected retirement benefit. It matched my disability amount exactly. This gave me peace of mind months before the actual conversion. If you're still concerned, I'd recommend trying to reach the SSA directly to confirm your specific situation. I spent weeks trying to get through on their 800 number, constantly disconnected after hours on hold. I finally tried Claimyr (claimyr.com) which connected me to an agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU The agent confirmed everything would stay the same and noted it in my file. Worth getting that official confirmation if you're worried.

When I turned 67 last year my SSDI switched over to regular social security. I had an even more complicated situation because I also receive a small pension from a state job where I didn't pay into social security (WEP affected). Even with that complication, my benefit amount stayed exactly the same. The only thing that happened was I got a letter about 2 months before my birthday saying the change would occur. That's it! By the way check if you quality for any supplemental programs like SNAP or QMB with your limited income. Many people don't realize they qualify for extra help.

what even is the difference between SSDI and regular SS? it's so confusing

i was worried about the same thing i had heard people saying ur benefits get recalculated at retirement age but thats not true. its the same payment don't worry!

Thank you all SO much for your responses! I feel so much better now knowing the payment won't change. I've been losing sleep over this for weeks. I'll definitely set up that online account to double check everything, and might try that Claimyr service to get official confirmation. This community has been incredibly helpful - I really appreciate you all taking the time to share your experiences and knowledge!