Many people receiving disability benefits eventually begin thinking about retirement. Others are already receiving Social Security benefits when a medical condition prevents them from working. This often leads to an important question: Can you collect Social Security and disability at the same time?
The answer depends on the type of benefits you receive. In some situations, a person may receive both disability and Social Security. In others, one benefit may replace another. Understanding how these programs work can help you make informed decisions about your financial future.
How Can You Get Both Social Security and Disability?
In certain situations, you can get both Social Security retirement benefits and disability benefits. However, this depends on which type of Social Security Disability benefits you receive.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Each program has different rules and qualifying criteria.
Can You Collect Social Security Retirement and SSDI?
If you qualify for SSDI, you generally cannot receive SSDI payments and a full Social Security retirement check at the same time. This is because SSDI is based on your Social Security earnings record. When you reach full retirement age, your SSDI benefits usually convert automatically to Social Security retirement benefits.
The amount you receive each month typically stays about the same. The Social Security Administration simply changes the category of benefits from disability to retirement.
What Happens When You Reach Retirement Age?
Many SSDI recipients worry that their benefits will stop when they reach retirement age. In most cases, this does not happen. Once you reach full retirement age, your disability benefits should convert to retirement benefits automatically. You usually do not need to file a new application.
Can You Receive Early Retirement and SSDI at the Same Time?
In some situations, you may temporarily receive both early Social Security retirement benefits and SSDI. This can happen if you file for disability before claiming early retirement, but your SSDI claim is not approved until after your retirement benefits begin.
For example, someone may apply for SSDI and end up waiting for a disability decision. If they reach early retirement age during that time, they may choose to start receiving retirement benefits. If the Social Security Administration later approves the disability claim, SSDI benefits may be applied retroactively to the period when the person was disabled and waiting for approval. This is called back pay.
Additionally, for each month the claimant received a reduced retirement check, the SSA increases the payment to the claimant’s full disability amount. For example, if your full SSDI benefit amount is $2,000 and your early retirement check is $1,300, then once your disability claim is approved, the SSA will pay you the missing $700 for each month you only received early retirement benefits.
You can’t receive two checks for each full benefit amount, but the SSA will pay whichever amount is higher. Usually, this is your SSDI benefit. These situations can be complicated, and the outcome depends on factors such as your disability onset date, application date, and benefit history.
Can You Collect SSI and Social Security?
Another common question is, “Can you collect SSI and retirement benefits at the same time?” In some cases, the answer is yes.
SSI is a needs-based program designed for people with limited income and resources. Social Security retirement benefits are based on your work history and earnings record. Because these programs serve different purposes, some individuals may qualify for both.
However, receiving Social Security retirement benefits can affect your SSI eligibility and payment amount. Since SSI is based on financial need, the SSA will count your retirement benefits as income when determining whether you qualify for SSI and how much you can receive.
For example, if your monthly retirement benefit is low and you meet SSI income and asset limits, SSI may provide additional financial support. On the other hand, if your retirement benefits exceed SSI income limits, you may not qualify for SSI payments.
Because every situation is different, the amount a person can receive depends on their income, resources, living arrangements, and other eligibility factors. If you are receiving retirement benefits and believe you may qualify for SSI, it’s important to review your circumstances with a disability lawyer.
Can a Person Receive Social Security and Disability Benefits Through Different Programs?
Sometimes people use the term “Social Security” to describe retirement benefits, while others use it to describe any benefit paid by the Social Security Administration. The rules can be confusing because several programs exist under the Social Security system.
However, the general rule is that you may be eligible to receive more than one benefit type at the same time, but the SSA does not just add them together and send multiple full payments.
For example, a person may receive:
- SSDI benefits based on their work record
- SSI benefits due to financial need and disability or age
- Dependent or survivor benefits in certain situations
- Retirement benefits
Depending on your work history, health, age, finances, and family situation, you may qualify for SSDI, SSI, retirement, and/or certain dependent or survivor benefits. For example, you can qualify for both your own retirement benefit and a survivor benefit, but Social Security will pay you up to the higher amount, not the full value of both at the same time.
Who Qualifies for SSDI?
To qualify for SSDI, you generally must:
- Have a qualifying disability
- Be unable to perform substantial work activity
- Have a condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
- Have earned enough work credits through employment
The Social Security Administration reviews medical records, treatment history, and other evidence to determine eligibility.
Who Qualifies for SSI?
SSI is different from SSDI because eligibility is not affected by work history. You may qualify for SSI benefits if:
- You are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older
- You have limited income and financial resources
- You meet Social Security financial eligibility requirements
Many people who do not qualify for SSDI may still qualify for SSI.
How a Disability Lawyer Can Help
Understanding your rights and benefits can be challenging, especially when multiple Social Security programs are involved. If you’re asking, “Can you collect Social Security and Social Security Disability together?” it’s wise to contact an attorney.
At Grundy Disability Group, we help individuals navigate SSDI and SSI claims, appeals, and benefit questions. Whether you are applying for disability or wondering how disability and retirement benefits may affect one another, our team can help you understand your options.
Contact Grundy Disability Group
If you have questions about a disability claim, Grundy Disability Group is here to help. Contact us for a free consultation and learn about your eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits. As a fourth-generation attorney with years of experience, you can count on Matthew Grundy and his team to support you throughout the claims process.
