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In most cases, your disability benefits will not change when you turn 65. Instead, you can expect your disability benefits to change to retirement benefits only when you turn 66 or 67 in South Carolina.
A Charleston personal injury lawyer can review your circumstances and provide more exact information about when your benefits will change to retirement benefits.
When Do Disability Benefits Change to Retirement Benefits?
Disability benefits provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA) should switch over to retirement benefits once you reach retirement age. Retirement age shifted to 66 or 67 years old in 1983.
Therefore, if you were born after 1943, your benefits should change when you turn 66 or 67. Benefits for people born prior to 1943 changed when they turned 65, but this is no longer applicable.
So, your disability benefits will not change when you turn 65. Instead, they will change a year or two later.
What Happens When Your Disability Benefits Change at 66 or 67?
When you turn 66 or 67, your disability benefits can change to retirement benefits. However, retirement benefits should provide you with the same amount of money as your disability benefits, so the change should not disrupt your life.
Once you reach the right age, your benefits should automatically change. If you need more information about what to expect from this change, you can speak to a lawyer.
How Much Money Do You Get Through Disability and Retirement Benefits?
The money available to you through disability and retirement benefits will depend on your work history and the money you earned before sustaining an injury that prevents you from working.
Do Your Medicare Benefits Change When You Turn 66 or 67?
If you qualify for Medicare benefits due to your disability, they should not change when you reach retirement age. However, before the age of 65, you only qualify for Medicare benefits after drawing disability benefits for 24 months.
You can apply for Medicare benefits three months before you turn 65, regardless of your disability status, and the SSA recommends that you do so.
If you apply for Medicare at 65, your benefits will not change when you officially retire.
What Medicare Benefits Do You Get Automatically?
After spending 24 months on disability, you may automatically receive Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B benefits. These benefits provide you with hospital and medical insurance, helping with the costs of any treatment you require.
You may also choose to enroll in Medicare Part D if you need coverage to help pay for prescription medications.
Do Your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits Change at Retirement?
If you qualify to receive SSI benefits along with disability benefits, they will probably stay the same once you reach retirement age. Not everyone receives SSI benefits, but you may qualify if you have limited income.
An attorney can review your situation and help you identify all the benefits available to help with your financial needs.
What Happens if You Come Off Disability Before Retirement Age?
You must decide when to apply for your retirement benefits if you recover enough to come off of disability benefits before you reach retirement age. Some people choose to take delayed retirement when they have the chance.
Taking delayed retirement can increase your benefits in the long run. You do not get the option to delay retirement if you are on disability. However, if you recover, your benefits may increase each year until you reach the age of 70.
Can You Wait to Apply for Medicare Benefits?
The professionals recommend against waiting to apply for Medicare benefits, even if you wait to take retirement benefits. The SSA directly advises you to sign up for your Medicare benefits three months before you turn 65.
Your medical insurance costs may increase if you delay applying for your Medicare benefits, so keep this in mind when making decisions about your future.
Will You Have Any Other Compensation to Help with a Disability?
You may qualify for additional compensation if an accident caused by someone else’s negligence caused your disability. The liable party may need to provide money to cover your:
- Current and long-term medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning potential
- Pain, emotional suffering, and mental anguish
You may receive these forms of compensation after any accident that results from another person’s actions. For example, you may qualify to file a claim after a fall, motor vehicle accident, or on-the-job incident.
Depending on the compensation you receive and the severity of your disability, you may still qualify for disability benefits. An attorney can review your situation and provide more exact information about all of your legal options.
Talk to Us About Your Disability Benefits Changing at Retirement
Will your disability benefits change when you turn 65? Generally, your benefits will not change at 65. When you turn 66 or 67, they will shift to retirement benefits but still provide you with the same amount of compensation.
You can learn more about what to expect at retirement with our team at The Thumbs Up Guys. We’ll share more information about us and how we can help after an accident when you call or fill out our online contact form.
