Hello! Currently 69yo, I have had severe heart disease since age 59 (2007); I received disablity "confirmation" within 24 hours (!!!) and rec'd SSDI for the allotted time (48 months I think). Then my SS switched to regular SS at the rate I would have rec'd by taking retirement at 63 - but I didn't retire, I was unable to work. If I were able to work, I would have until age 70 (easily). A friend told me that I could get an 8% increase in my SS payments because I have been/am disabled. True? If so, how do I go about making this happen? Thanks, -Nan

Hi Nan,

I don't know your exact circumstances, but if a person qualifies for Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits without previously drawing reduced retirement benefits, their SSDI rate is equal to their full retirement age rate. And, if their SSDI entitlement continues until their full retirement age, they then convert to regular retirement benefits at the same unreduced rate.

What your friend is referring to are delayed retirement credits (DRC). DRCs can increase a person's retirement benefit rate by 2/3rds of 1% for each month that they defer or suspend collection of their benefits between full retirement age and age 70. DRCs have nothing to do with whether or not you've received SSDI in the past. You could suspend your benefits until age 70 in order to receive DRCs, but then you won't receive any benefits until that time. If you wish to do so, you will need to contact Social Security.

Best, Jerry