- Author: Michael Burry
- Dec 22, 2025
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits do not stop or decrease at age 65. Instead, your SSDI benefits continue until you reach full retirement age, which is usually between 66 and 67, depending on your birth year.
At that time, your disability benefits automatically convert to Social Security retirement benefits, and the monthly payment amount generally remains the same. The only change is the benefit classification, and medical disability reviews are no longer required.
Does SSDI Automatically Convert to Retirement Benefits?
Yes. If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), your benefits automatically convert to Social Security retirement benefits when you reach full retirement age, which is typically 65–67, depending on your birth year.
What About SSI Benefits After Turning 65?
When you turn 65, SSI benefits do not stop as long as you still meet the income and resource limits. You can continue receiving your monthly SSI payments, but you are no longer required to prove that you are disabled. At this age, Social Security considers you eligible under the “aged” category instead of “disabled.”
However, the financial rules stay the same. You must still have limited income and resources, with resource limits of $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. It’s also important to know that SSI does not automatically change into Social Security retirement benefits, so it remains a separate program even after you turn 65.
Will My Monthly Benefit Amount Change?
In most SSDI-to-retirement transitions, your monthly benefit remains the same. However, changes may occur if:
- You begin receiving additional income
- Your living arrangements change
- You receive SSI alongside other benefits
Cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) may still apply annually, regardless of age.
Read More Social Security COLA 2025: How It Will Affect Your Monthly Benefits
How Medicare Coverage Is Affected at Age 65
If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you typically qualify for Medicare after 24 months of disability benefits. When you turn 65, your Medicare coverage continues, but eligibility shifts from disability-based to age-based.
Important considerations:
- Review Medicare Part B enrollment
- Consider adding Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan
- Avoid late enrollment penalties
Even if nothing changes automatically, reviewing your coverage ensures it still meets your healthcare needs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Turning 65
Many beneficiaries face issues due to avoidable errors. Common mistakes include:
- Missing Medicare enrollment deadlines
- Assuming benefits will stop automatically
- Failing to report income or household changes
Staying proactive can help you avoid gaps in coverage or unexpected notices from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
What Should I Do Before Turning 65?
Preparing ahead of time makes the transition smoother. Consider taking these steps:
- Review your Social Security statements
- Confirm Medicare enrollment status
- Update SSA with any life changes
- Speak with a benefits advisor if unsure
Planning early helps protect your income and healthcare coverage.
What is the easiest condition to get a disability when you turn 65?
There isn’t a single condition that qualifies for disability. Arthritis and other musculoskeletal system disabilities are among the most commonly approved disability conditions.
It makes up one of the most commonly approved conditions for Social Security disability benefits. There may be other disability conditions that automatically qualify for the benefits.
Reasons why Social Security Disability may terminate benefits
Some common reasons that SSDI may end:
- You are returning to work.
- The disability condition is improving.
- You have served prison or jail time.
In all three situations, the SSA may end your benefits. However, the ending of benefits may also depend largely on the changes in your condition and when it happens. The review of the benefits also plays a fundamental role. If the SSA determines that your condition is improving and you are no longer disabled, they may not approve your benefits.
There is an SSA review after every 18 months, 3 years, or 7 years. If your doctor says your condition is improving, the SSA may re-examine your case. The SSA may also stop your benefits if you are in jail for more than 30 days. In some cases, the benefits may also start when you return from jail.
In case the individual is earning a substantial wage, the SSA may not consider you disabled, and after the trial work period, the benefits may stop. You may still receive retirement benefits once you reach 65.
Will SSDI benefits always convert to retirement benefits at 65 years?
If an individual is born before 1937, the SSDI benefits will convert to retirement benefits when they reach 65 years. Younger candidates may have to wait for a longer period. It entirely depends on the birth year when your benefits will convert to retirement benefits.
| Birth Year | Retirement Age |
|---|---|
| 1938 | 65 years and two months |
| 1939 | 65 years and four months |
| 1940 | 65 years and six months |
| 1941 | 65 years and eight months |
| 1942 | 65 years and ten months |
| Born in 1943 through 1954 | 66 years |
| 1955 | 66 years and two months |
| 1956 | 66 years and four months |
| 1957 | 66 years and six months |
| 1958 | 66 years and eight months |
| 1959 | 66 years and ten months |
| Born in 1960 or later | 67 years |
Your income will not limit your Social Security retirement benefits in comparison to SSDI. The SSDI rules will vary depending on the retirement benefits.
How Your Disability Benefits Could Change? Contact a Lawyer
At times, certain disability applicants may encounter difficulties in obtaining the benefits they are entitled to. Working with a Social Security Disability Lawyer who has been assisting SSDI applicants as they know what the SSA is looking out for in their application. They will even assist you with the benefits-related problems.
FAQs
At what age is it easiest to get a disability?
The applicants over 50 are twice as likely to receive approval for disability benefits as those under 50. Younger applicants have a significantly lower approval rate in comparison to seniors.
What is the lowest disability payment?
According to the Social Security Administration, the SSDI payments range between $100 and $3,627. However, it completely varies depending on the applicant's working history and medical condition. People may also get $100 as the lowest benefit. However, this is a very rare condition.
What is the oldest age to get a disability?
For Social Security Disability Insurance, you must be between 18 and 65 years old. For Supplemental Security Income, you must be between birth and 65 years.
Will Social Security disability benefits stop at age 65?
No. When you turn 65, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) automatically converts to Social Security retirement benefits at the same payment amount.
Do I need to reapply for benefits when I turn 65?
No. The transition from disability benefits to retirement benefits happens automatically, and you do not need to file a new application.
Will my monthly payment change after age 65?
In most cases, your monthly benefit amount stays the same. However, cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) may still apply.
Does Supplemental Security Income (SSI) change at age 65?
SSI does not convert to retirement benefits. You may continue receiving SSI at age 65 if you still meet income and asset limits.
What happens to SSDI when I turn 65?
When you turn 65, your SSDI benefits automatically change to Social Security retirement benefits with no interruption or reduction in payments.
Does turning 65 affect my Medicare or Medicaid benefits?
Medicare continues seamlessly, while Medicaid eligibility may change depending on your income and state rules.
Should I speak to a disability lawyer before turning 65?
Yes. A disability attorney can help review your benefits, Medicare options, and any changes that could affect your financial security.