You can collect both SSDI and retirement Social Security, but the rules depend on your age and work history

If you are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and you reach full retirement age, your disability payments automatically convert to retirement benefits at the same rate. You do not collect both payments — you receive one check, and the amount stays the same. The conversion happens without you having to do anything.

If you have a spouse or ex-spouse, the rules change. A spouse or ex-spouse may be able to collect benefits on your SSDI record even while you are still disabled. A child under 19 (or 19 if still in high school) can also collect on your record. These family members receive their own separate payments; your check does not shrink.

The confusion usually comes from mixing up SSDI with Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is a different program with strict rules about how much money you can have. This article covers SSDI only.

Key Takeaways

  • When you reach full retirement age, your SSDI payments convert to retirement benefits at the same dollar amount — you do not collect both.
  • Your spouse, ex-spouse, or children can collect separate payments on your SSDI record while you are still disabled.
  • SSDI has no limit on how much money you can earn or own, so you can work part-time and still receive your full payment.
  • If you are also receiving SSI (Supplemental Security Income), the rules are stricter and you should contact Social Security before earning income or receiving other money.

What happens to your SSDI when you reach full retirement age

Social Security tracks your full retirement age based on your birth year. For people born in 1960 or later, full retirement age is 67. When you turn that age, your SSDI automatically converts to retirement benefits — the program name changes, but your monthly payment stays exactly the same.

You will see the change on your Social Security statement and in your online account, but you do not need to do anything. The conversion is automatic. Some people call retirement benefits "old-age benefits" to distinguish them from disability, but they are the same payment amount.

If you want to know your exact full retirement age, you can check your Social Security statement online at ssa.gov or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. A representative can tell you the month and year your conversion will happen.

Family members who can collect on your SSDI record

While you are receiving SSDI, certain family members can collect their own separate payments based on your work record. These payments do not reduce your check. Each person receives a percentage of your benefit amount, and Social Security calculates what each family member gets.

A spouse of any age can collect if they are caring for your child who is under 16. A spouse at full retirement age (or older) can also collect on your record regardless of whether they are caring for a child. An ex-spouse can collect if the marriage lasted at least 10 years, you are at least 62 years old, and they are at least 62 years old.

Children can collect until age 19 if they are still in high school, or until age 18 if they are not in school. A child with a disability before age 22 can continue collecting for life, even after you die. Grandchildren and step-grandchildren may also be able to collect in some situations, though the rules are more complex.

Earning income while on SSDI

SSDI has no earnings limit, which means you can work and earn as much as you want without losing your disability payment. This is one of the biggest differences between SSDI and SSI. You can work part-time, full-time, or start a business, and your check will not change.

Social Security does have a program called Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE) that lets you deduct certain costs related to your disability when calculating your earnings. For example, if you need a personal assistant to help you work, or special equipment, those costs can be deducted. This is a technical rule, and it is worth asking Social Security about if you are working and have disability-related expenses.

If you are also receiving SSI, the earnings rules are completely different and much stricter. SSI counts your income and can reduce your payment if you earn over a certain amount. If you receive both SSDI and SSI, contact Social Security before you start working to understand how your earnings will affect your SSI payment.

The difference between SSDI and SSI matters for collecting other money

SSDI has almost no restrictions on other income or resources. You can own a house, a car, savings accounts, and investments without affecting your SSDI payment. You can also receive other government benefits, pensions, or money from family members.

SSI is different. SSI has strict limits: you can own no more than $2,000 in countable resources (the limit is $3,000 for a couple), and your monthly income is limited. If you receive SSI, money from family members, gifts, or other sources can reduce your payment. Many people receive both SSDI and SSI at the same time, and the SSI rules explore to the SSI portion of your payment.

To know which program you receive, look at your Social Security statement or call 1-800-772-1213. The statement will say "SSDI" or "SSI" or both. If you receive both, you need to follow the stricter SSI rules before earning income or receiving other money.

What happens if you work and your condition improves

Social Security has a program called a Trial Work Period that lets you test whether you can work without losing your benefits. During the Trial Work Period, you can work and earn any amount, and you will keep your full SSDI payment for nine months. The nine months do not have to be consecutive.

After the Trial Work Period ends, Social Security enters an Extended may be able to access Period. During this period, you keep your SSDI payment for any month you earn less than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) amount. The SGA amount changes each year; in 2024 it is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,590 for blind individuals.

If you earn more than the SGA amount for nine months (not necessarily in a row), your SSDI ends. You then have a grace period where you keep your payment for the month you earned over SGA plus two more months. After that, your payment stops. However, if your condition worsens and you cannot work, you can report that to Social Security and ask them to review your case.

Collecting SSDI and a pension or other retirement income

SSDI does not reduce your payment if you receive a pension, retirement income, or other benefits. You can collect a pension from a previous job, a 401(k), an IRA, or any other retirement account at the same time as your SSDI. Your SSDI payment will not change.

The only exception is if you receive a government pension based on work where you did not pay Social Security taxes — for example, some federal employees, railroad workers, or workers in certain state or local government jobs. In that case, a rule called the Government Pension Offset or Windfall Elimination Provision may reduce your SSDI or your family members' benefits. This is a complex rule, and you should ask Social Security whether it applies to you.

If you are unsure whether your pension will affect your SSDI, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and describe the type of pension you receive. They can tell you whether the Windfall Elimination Provision applies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I collect SSDI and unemployment benefits at the same time?

Yes. SSDI does not reduce your payment if you receive unemployment. However, if you are collecting unemployment, you are saying you are able and willing to work, which may conflict with your SSDI claim that you cannot work. If Social Security reviews your case and finds you are working or actively looking for work, they may question whether your disability is severe enough. Report any work activity to Social Security to avoid problems later.

What if I am on SSDI and I get married?

Your SSDI payment does not change if you marry. Your spouse may become able to collect on your record if they meet the age or caregiving requirements, but your own payment stays the same. If your spouse works, their income does not affect your SSDI either.

Can my child keep collecting on my SSDI record after I die?

Yes. If your child is under 19 and in high school, or under 18 and not in school, they can continue collecting survivor benefits after you die. A child with a disability that began before age 22 can collect for life. The payment amount may change, but the benefit continues.

If I am on SSDI and I win the lottery or receive an inheritance, do I lose my benefits?

SSDI has no resource limit, so winning the lottery or receiving an inheritance does not affect your payment. You can own any amount of money and keep your full SSDI check. However, if you also receive SSI, the resource limits explore and a large sum of money could reduce or stop your SSI payment.

Can I collect SSDI and workers' compensation at the same time?

Yes, but Social Security may reduce your SSDI payment. If you receive workers' compensation for the same condition that qualifies you for SSDI, Social Security can offset your SSDI by up to 50 percent of your workers' compensation payment. The total of both payments cannot exceed 80 percent of your average current earnings before you became disabled. Contact Social Security if you receive workers' compensation to understand how it will affect your SSDI.