Ask Larry

What Do I Need To Do When I Turn 62?

Hi Larry, I turned 61in February I'm on ssi disability now for past 4 years I was told by ss that they will retire me out at 62. What is it I need to do now or wait for them to do it.

Hi. If you're receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and if you have enough Social Security earnings credits to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, then you'll be required apply for reduced Social Security retirement benefits when you reach age 62. If you're eligible and you refuse to apply for Social Security retirement benefits, Social Security will stop paying your SSI benefits.

If you have sufficient credits to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits then Social Security should contact you to solicit an application for those benefits around the time you reach age 62. You can either wait for them to get in touch with you, or you could contact them on your own.

On the other hand, if what you're receiving is Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits, then nothing will change when you reach age 62. You can simply continue receiving your unreduced SSDI benefits until you reach full retirement age (FRA), at which time your SSDI benefits will automatically convert to Social Security retirement benefits at the same monthly rate.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Apr 21 2021 - 8:29pm
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