If you receive Social Security disability benefits, also known as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you may be wondering what will happen to your benefits when you reach retirement age. SSDI is a federal program that provides financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability and have paid enough Social Security taxes to qualify for the program.

When you reach retirement age, your SSDI benefits will automatically convert to retirement benefits. Retirement age is the age at which you are eligible to receive full Social Security retirement benefits. For those born in 1937 or earlier, the retirement age is 65. For those born in 1960 or later, the retirement age is 67. For those born between 1937 and 1960, the retirement age is somewhere in between.

The amount of your retirement benefits will be based on your average lifetime earnings, just like your SSDI benefits. However, there are some differences between SSDI and retirement benefits that you should be aware of:

Amount of benefits: Your SSDI benefits are based on your average lifetime earnings, but your retirement benefits may be higher or lower depending on when you start receiving them. If you start receiving retirement benefits at your full retirement age, you will receive the full amount of your benefits. If you start receiving retirement benefits before your full retirement age, your benefits will be reduced. On the other hand, if you start receiving retirement benefits after your full retirement age, your benefits will be increased.

Medicare: If you are receiving SSDI, you are also eligible for Medicare after a two-year waiting period. Medicare is a federal program that provides health insurance to individuals over the age of 65 and to those who are receiving SSDI. When you reach retirement age, your Medicare coverage will continue, but you may have to pay a premium for Part B (medical insurance) and Part D (prescription drug coverage).

Working while receiving retirement benefits: If you are receiving retirement benefits and decide to return to work, your benefits may be affected. If you are under full retirement age and earn more than the annual earnings limit set by the Social Security Administration (SSA), a portion of your benefits will be withheld. The annual earnings limit changes each year and is based on your age and the year you start receiving benefits. If you are over full retirement age and earn more than the annual earnings limit, all of your benefits will be withheld.

In summary, when you reach retirement age, your SSDI benefits will automatically convert to retirement benefits. The amount of your retirement benefits will be based on your average lifetime earnings, and you may have to pay premiums for Medicare if you are over 65. If you decide to return to work while receiving retirement benefits, your benefits may be affected. If you have any questions about how your SSDI benefits will change when you reach retirement age, you should contact the SSA for more information.