Can You Collect Disability and Social Security Together?
One of the most common questions people ask when approaching retirement age or living with a disability is: Can you collect Social Security and Social Security Disability benefits at the same time?
The short answer is yes, but not in the way you might expect. Depending on your situation, there may be ways to receive both types of benefits. In this blog, we’ll break down how Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Social Security retirement benefits work, when they overlap, and what you need to know about receiving both.
Understanding Social Security Retirement vs. Disability Benefits
To better answer the question “Can you collect both Social Security and disability?” it’s important to understand how the two programs differ:
- Social Security Retirement Benefits
These are monthly payments provided to individuals who have worked and paid into the Social Security system. You can begin collecting as early as age 62, though full retirement age is 67 for most people (depending on your birth year).
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI is for those who are unable to work due to a qualifying disability. To receive SSDI, you must have a work history and meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) strict eligibility requirements.
Why Can’t You Collect Social Security Disability and Social Security at the Same Time?
The SSA does not allow you to receive both SSDI and full Social Security retirement benefits at the same time. When you reach full retirement age, your SSDI benefits automatically convert into retirement benefits. The amount remains the same, but the classification of your benefits changes.
If you’re already receiving SSDI when you reach retirement age, you won’t get two checks, but you also won’t lose income. Your payment continues as it always has, just under a different program.
That’s why, in most cases, you cannot technically collect disability and Social Security together. But you’re not missing out on money; rather, your benefit simply transitions from “disability” to “retirement.”
Are There Any Situations Where You Can Receive Both?
There are some exceptions where you may receive more than one type of Social Security benefit:
Early Retirement and SSDI
If you choose to take early retirement benefits and are later approved for SSDI, you may be able to receive both benefits temporarily. Here’s how it works:
- You take reduced early retirement benefits
- You later apply for SSDI and are approved
- The two amounts will add up to what you will receive at your full retirement age from Social Security
Through this process, you can start getting your full retirement benefit amount earlier than if you hadn’t filed for SSDI. However, you can’t receive both SSDI and early retirement as two full payments. Instead, the SSA will pay you the higher SSDI amount.
When you’re approved for SSDI, the SSA will also pay you the difference between your reduced retirement benefit and full SSDI benefit for the months you were eligible. This is a form of “back pay.” When you reach full retirement age, everything converts to standard retirement benefits.
SSI and Social Security Retirement
If your income is very limited, you might qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in addition to retirement benefits. SSI is a needs-based program, not based on work history like SSDI and retirement benefits.
If your Social Security retirement amount is low enough that your total income and resources remain below SSI limits, you may qualify for both. In this case, your SSI payment would be reduced by the amount of your retirement benefit. This ensures that your total monthly income does not exceed the SSI maximum.
Key Points
To recap, here’s what to remember when asking, “Can you collect disability and Social Security at the same time?”:
- No, you can’t collect full SSDI and full Social Security retirement at the same time.
- SSDI benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits at full retirement age.
- You may temporarily receive both early retirement and SSDI if your disability claim is filed before but approved after getting early retirement benefits.
- You might be eligible for SSI in addition to a small retirement benefit amount.
Contact Us for Help Navigating Social Security Disability Benefits
Applying for SSDI, or understanding how your benefits may change over time, can be confusing and overwhelming. At Drozdowski & Rabin, PLLC, we’re here to help.
Our experienced disability attorneys in Tennessee help clients with SSDI claims, appeals, and understanding their benefits. If you need guidance with your claim, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
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