You can receive both, but the rules depend on which disability program you're in and your age
If you're receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you cannot also collect regular Social Security retirement benefits at the same time — you get one or the other, whichever is higher. However, if you're on SSDI and reach full retirement age, your SSDI payments automatically convert to retirement benefits at that same amount. If you're receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead of SSDI, the rules are different: SSI is a needs-based program, and receiving it doesn't prevent you from getting other Social Security benefits, though your total monthly income will affect how much SSI you receive.
The confusion usually comes from mixing up the three different programs. SSDI is based on your own work history. Retirement benefits are also based on your work history but paid at a different age. SSI is based on financial need, not work history. Understanding which one you're in — and which one you might may have access to for — determines what you can receive together.
Key Takeaways
- SSDI and retirement benefits cannot be paid together; when you reach full retirement age on SSDI, your payments convert to retirement benefits at the same amount.
- If you're on SSI (the needs-based program), you can receive other Social Security benefits, but your total income will reduce your SSI payment dollar-for-dollar above the monthly limit.
- Family members can collect benefits on your SSDI record even if you cannot collect two benefits yourself.
- Spousal benefits and survivor benefits follow different rules than your own benefits and may be available even if you're already receiving SSDI.
How SSDI and retirement benefits work together
When you're approved for SSDI, you're receiving a disability benefit based on your work record. Once you reach your full retirement age — which varies by birth year but is typically between 66 and 67 — Social Security automatically converts your SSDI to a retirement benefit. The payment amount stays the same; only the name of the benefit changes on your statement. You don't have to do anything or reapply.
This conversion happens because SSDI and retirement benefits are both paid from the same Social Security trust fund and are based on the same earnings record. Social Security treats them as one benefit that changes form when you reach retirement age. If you were receiving a higher SSDI payment than your retirement benefit would be (which is rare), Social Security pays you the higher amount. If your retirement benefit would be higher, you receive that amount instead.
The key point: you cannot be paid as both disabled and retired at the same time. You receive one monthly payment, and it's based on whichever status applies to you.
SSI and other Social Security benefits: the income limit rule
SSI is a completely separate program from SSDI. It's needs-based, meaning your income and resources determine whether you may have access to and how much you receive. If you're on SSI, you can receive other Social Security benefits — such as retirement benefits, spousal benefits, or survivor benefits — but those other benefits count as income toward your SSI limit.
The SSI federal benefit rate (the maximum monthly payment) is set by law and changes each year. In 2024, the limit is $943 per month for an individual, though your state may add a supplement. If you receive $200 in retirement benefits and $100 in spousal benefits, that $300 counts as income, and your SSI payment reduces by that amount. Once your other Social Security benefits reach the SSI limit, you receive no SSI payment that month.
This means receiving multiple Social Security benefits doesn't necessarily give you more money — it may straightforward shift where your income comes from. You should report all Social Security income to SSI when ready, because SSI requires you to report changes within 10 days.
Family members collecting on your SSDI record
Even if you can only receive one benefit yourself, your family members may be able to collect on your SSDI record. Your spouse, ex-spouse (if married 10 years or longer), and children under 19 (or 19 if still in high school) can each receive a benefit based on your earnings record. These are separate payments and don't reduce your own SSDI amount.
Family benefits are capped at a percentage of your primary insurance amount (the amount you receive). The total paid to your entire family cannot exceed 150 to 180 percent of your benefit, depending on how many family members may have access to. If multiple family members are collecting, Social Security divides the family maximum among them, so each person's payment may be smaller than if they were the only one collecting.
Your family members must meet their own requirements — your spouse must be at least 62 (or any age if caring for a child under 16), and your children must be unmarried and under the age limit. They don't have to live with you, and they can work without affecting their benefits, though their own earnings may affect their taxes.
Spousal and survivor benefits while on SSDI
If you're receiving SSDI and your spouse is not yet receiving their own retirement or disability benefit, your spouse may be able to receive a spousal benefit based on your record. This is different from a family benefit for children. A spousal benefit is typically 32.5 to 50 percent of your primary insurance amount, depending on your spouse's age and whether they're caring for a child under 16.
Similarly, if you pass away, your family members become may be able to access for survivor benefits. These are paid to your spouse (at any age if caring for a child under 16, or at 60 or older), your children under 19 (or 19 if in high school), and your parents if you were supporting them. Survivor benefits are not reduced by the fact that you were on SSDI; they're calculated the same way as if you had been retired.
The rules for spousal and survivor benefits are complex and depend on your age, your spouse's age, and whether children are involved. If you think your family members might may have access to, contact Social Security directly to discuss your specific situation.
What happens if you work while on SSDI or SSI
SSDI has a work incentive called the Trial Work Period, which allows you to test your ability to work without when ready losing your benefits. During the Trial Work Period, you can earn any amount and keep your full SSDI payment. The Trial Work Period lasts nine months (not necessarily consecutive) within a rolling 60-month window.
After the Trial Work Period ends, your earnings are tested against the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2024, the SGA limit is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,590 for blind individuals, though these amounts change yearly. If your earnings exceed the SGA limit, your SSDI stops, though you enter a grace period where you keep your benefits for a few more months while you're still working.
SSI has stricter rules. SSI counts your earnings as income, and your SSI payment reduces by $1 for every $2 you earn above a monthly exclusion (typically $65 plus half your remaining earnings). Working while on SSI is possible, but your payment will decrease as your earnings increase. Both programs have work incentives and special rules for certain types of work, so contact Social Security before starting work to understand how it will affect your benefits.
How to report changes to Social Security
If your situation changes — you start working, get married, have a child, or your income changes — you must report it to Social Security. For SSDI, you report work and earnings changes. For SSI, you report changes in income, resources, living situation, and household composition. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments that you'll be required to repay.
You can report changes online through your my Social Security account, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. Keep records of any changes and the date you reported them. If Social Security overpays you because you didn't report a change, you can request a waiver of repayment if you can show you weren't at fault, though this is difficult to obtain.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I'm on SSDI and turn 67, do I have to do anything?
No. Social Security automatically converts your SSDI to retirement benefits when you reach full retirement age. Your payment amount stays the same, and you'll see the change reflected on your statement. You don't need to contact Social Security or reapply.
Can I receive SSDI and SSI at the same time?
No. You receive one or the other. However, if you're on SSDI and your income drops below the SSI limit, you may be able to switch to SSI to receive additional income support. Contact Social Security to discuss your situation.
What if my ex-spouse is receiving benefits on my record and I remarry?
Your ex-spouse's benefits are not affected by your remarriage. Their benefit is based on your earnings record, not your current marital status. However, if you remarry before age 60, your own spousal or survivor benefits (if you were receiving them) would stop.
Do my children's benefits count as income for SSI purposes?
No. If your children are receiving benefits on your SSDI record, those payments to them don't count as your income for SSI. However, if you're the representative payee managing their benefits, any portion you use for household expenses may be counted differently depending on your living arrangement.
Can I receive disability benefits from two different programs?
You can receive SSDI and also may have access to for Veterans Disability Compensation or workers' compensation, which are separate programs. However, receiving workers' compensation or certain other government disability benefits may reduce your SSDI payment. Contact Social Security to understand how your specific situation works.