There are various disability programs in the United States. These programs are designed to provide financial assistance to those who are not able to earn a significant income. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are the two most common disability programs. These programs have strict eligibility requirements, including the applicant’s age. This raises the question of whether there is any difference between retirement benefits and disability benefits. Can someone get disability at the age of 70? Let’s explore your options for receiving disability benefits at 70.
Understanding Disability Benefits
As we grow older, the question of financial security becomes more important, especially for those who are suffering from health issues. If the health issue qualifies as a disability then the individual may qualify to receive disability benefits. Disability benefits serve as a crucial lifeline for individuals who cannot work or cannot earn enough income to support themselves due to a physical or mental health condition.
While Social Security benefits are typically available after the age of 62, there is no set age limit that automatically disqualifies someone from receiving disability benefits. However, certain disability benefits may transition to retirement benefits once an individual reaches full retirement age.
For a person to receive disability benefits, they have to meet certain eligibility requirements to start receiving payments, and then they have to maintain these requirements to continue receiving payments.
The two primary disability programs in the United States are the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both programs are managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA). While SSDI and SSI serve similar populations, they are different programs with different requirements and benefits.
There are also other types of disability programs, including government programs, veteran’s benefits, and private insurance policies. The Veteran’s benefits are available through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Private insurance includes long-term disability (LTD) policies, which can be purchased through the employer or privately.
For this blog, we focus on SSDI and SSI programs as they are the predominant disability benefits programs in the country. If you have questions about other disability benefits programs, you can consult with a disability attorney.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) at Age 70
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is designed for individuals under the full retirement age (FRA) who cannot work due to a disability. For most individuals, the FRA is around 67, up from the 66-year minimum. Once you have passed the FRA, your disability benefits will automatically transition to retirement benefits.
If you are looking to get disability at age 70, you will be getting SSDI retirement benefits instead of disability benefits. If you are not receiving Social Security benefits at 70 and you apply to get disability benefits, you will be directed to apply for Social Security benefits.
According to the SSA rules, you aren’t allowed to receive both SSDI and retirement benefits simultaneously. The transition to retirement benefits is intended to simplify the process. You will likely receive the same amount of benefits through retirement benefits as you were receiving from your disability benefits.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at Age 70
The SSI program is designed to provide financial assistance to very low-income Americans who have a qualifying disability or are over the age of 65. Unlike several other disability benefits programs, the SSI is a means-tested benefit. It’s strictly for individuals who have limited income and resources. The SSA has a complex formula to determine if an applicant meets the income eligibility requirements.
For 2024, the income threshold is around $1,971 per month. If you make less than this, then you may qualify for SSI benefits. However, keep in mind that SSI benefits are calculated by considering all sources of income. If you have additional income, your benefits could be reduced.
At the age of 70, you may qualify for SSI if you meet the eligibility criteria. If your retirement income is low enough, you could apply for SSI even if you are already receiving Social Security retirement benefits. This is referred to as receiving concurrent benefits.
The Transition from Disability to Retirement Benefits
Transitioning from disability to retirement often is a source of anxiety for individuals who have been receiving disability payments. Generally, this is an automatic transition at the full retirement age and does not require any action. The SSA does the transition based on their records. After the disability benefits have been transitioned to retirement benefits, the individual may no longer need to maintain proof of their disability. This helps reduce the burden of ongoing verification of disability.
If your spouse is eligible for receiving benefits based on your work record, then their status as a beneficiary could also be changed. Spousal benefits are typically calculated based on the percentage of the benefit amount, which typically does not change through the transition.
While no action is needed on your part for the transition, it’s best to plan for it by reviewing your Social Security statement. If you have any concerns, you should consult with a financial advisor or disability benefits attorney, who can guide you on all related matters such as tax implications, and beneficiary status.
Can You Return to Full-Time Work After the Transition?
If you’re thinking of returning to full-time work after the transition from disability benefits to retirement benefits you need to carefully consider several factors. When you transition from SSDI to retirement, the benefits amount tends to remain the same. However, if you return to work, it can have an impact on additional benefits you receive, such as your SSI benefits. Any benefits that have a maximum threshold of income could be impacted by your return to full-time work. For example, your SSI payment could be reduced or discontinued if you start to earn more than the maximum threshold.
Apart from the financial impact, you also need to consider your health. If you were suffering from a disability, you should not rush back to work just because you have transitioned out of disability benefits. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine if your health allows you to return to full-time work.
Applying for Disability Benefits at Age 70
Most individuals are receiving their Social Security benefits at the age of 70, so it would be a unique situation for you to apply for disability benefits at that age. As mentioned earlier, at 70, you would go directly to getting your retirement benefits, rather than your disability benefits. This is good news as the process to apply and get retirement benefits is typically more straightforward than getting disability benefits.
If you had to get disability benefits, you would have to prove that your health condition or injury merits financial assistance. This often requires submitting medical records, work history, and other documents. So technically, you can apply for disability at age 70, but you would automatically get your retirement benefits if you meet all the eligibility criteria.
How Does Medicare Work If I Am Disabled and Over 70?
Generally, your medicare coverage would continue whether you receive your retirement benefits or your disability benefits after turning 70. If you’re on disability benefits, the medicare coverage would automatically transition to retirement benefits, without any interruption or gap in your coverage. You may also be eligible for other Medicare programs such as Medicare Advantage, which offers more coverage, or Medicare Part D for prescription medication.
Can I Increase My Retirement Benefits After 70 If I Did Not Receive Disability?
There are several factors considered when calculating retirement benefits. Not applying for or receiving disability benefits would most likely not get you any additional retirement benefits.
However, if you continue to work past retirement age and delay receiving your retirement benefits, you can receive higher future benefits. SSA considers your highest 35 years of work history so if any of those years are past the age of 70, it can help increase your benefits amount.
As cases related to disability or retirement benefits can get complex, you should consult with an experienced attorney. Using their legal expertise, attorneys for disability can help you with all legal aspects related to your case, including filing claims, ensuring compliance with SSA rules, handling disputes, and maximizing benefits.
