I'm turning 62 in February 2017 and have been on SSI FOR 5 years what happens then and do I need to do anything .I presently receive 1818.00 a month is there any way this would ever rise at all I'm having a hard time getting by with medical bills I'm on medicare thanks for any help

Hi,

Based on your benefit amount, I assume that you're getting Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits rather than Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The latter is a needs based program, and if you were getting SSI you'd be required to apply for Social Security retirement benefits at age 62 if you qualified.

But, since you're getting SSDI, there is probably nothing that you need to do at age 62, or at any later age for that matter. Your Social Security disability benefits will automatically convert to retirement benefits when you reach full retirement age, which for you is age 66 & 2 months. There will almost certainly be no change in your benefit rate when you convert to retirement benefits. In theory at least, the benefit rate could increase, but only if you had a significant amount of earnings after becoming entitled to disability benefits.

Best, Jerry