Disability and retirement ages
Disability benefits and retirement benefits meet at several ages. This timeline shows what changes at each one.
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Any age before full retirement age
A disability claim can be filed at any age before full retirement age. SSDI is paid at the full benefit amount, with no reduction for age.
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Age 62: early retirement becomes available
Early retirement is permanently reduced for each month before full retirement age. Receiving disability benefits instead avoids that reduction.
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Age 65: Medicare
Anyone with enough work credits becomes eligible for Medicare. SSDI recipients already have it after 24 months of benefits.
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Full retirement age: 66 to 67
SSDI converts to retirement benefits automatically, at the same amount. Full retirement age is 66 for people born in 1954 or earlier, rises by two months a year for 1955 through 1959, and is 67 for 1960 and later.
Talk about a disability claim
A call sets up a conference — in person or by phone. There is no cost for the review.
Calls are answered weekdays, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Text (912) 807-5000 — texts are answered 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.