If you are nearing the age of 65, which for many is considered “retirement” age or very close to it, you may wonder how reaching that milestone might affect any disability-related benefits that you may receive. These are reasonable and understandable questions to ask, as these benefits are probably a significant source of financial security and stability when you’re otherwise unable to work and earn an income.

What Types of Benefits Are Available?

The Social Security Administration provides two types of disability benefits for disabled individuals, depending on their particular circumstances. These include Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.

In order to receive either type of benefits, the applicant must have a condition that the Social Security Administration considers to be a disability, and which has rendered the applicant disabled for at least one continuous calendar year or more.

Although the two types of benefits share these things in common, they also have important differences. One of the primary differences is that in order to receive SSDI benefits, an applicant must be “insured.” The Social Security Administration considers an applicant to be “insured” if they worked at a job for a sufficient length of time and regularly paid employment taxes from that job into the Social Security system. To receive SSI benefits, by contrast, an applicant need not be insured, but does need to have income and resources below a certain annual limit established by the Social Security Administration.

Regardless of which type of benefit you pursue, you should know that there is a maximum monthly amount that can be received. This amount is calculated based on a variety of factors, including work and earnings history, income and resource level, and other conditions. In 2025, the maximum amount of monthly SSDI benefits an individual can receive is $4,018. The maximum monthly amount of SSI benefits that an applicant can receive is $967 for an individual, and $1,450 per couple.

Medicare and Medicaid Benefits

In addition to understanding the types of disability benefits available, it is also important to be aware that, along with your monthly disability benefit amount, you may also be able to receive Medicaid and Medicare services.

Typically, most people can begin receiving Medicare at age 65. While this is the general rule, those who are under the age of 65 but who have been receiving SSDI benefits for at least twenty-four months can start receiving Medicare before they turn 65. These individuals will typically be covered under Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. When these individuals who began receiving Medicaid benefits prior to age 65 eventually do turn 65, they can choose to continue receiving those benefits or to make changes and enroll in other Medicare programs like Medicare Part C or Medicare Part D.

If you choose to continue on your current Medicare disability plan when you turn 65, your coverage will change in classification from disability-based to age-based coverage, and typically, this will be a transition that doesn’t interrupt any of the care or services you are accustomed to. As noted, you may choose to add additional Medicare programs if your circumstances allow, including things like prescription drug coverage, Medigap supplements, and other Medicare Advantage services.

In addition, those who are turning 65 should know that their SSDI benefits will also soon make the transition from being classified as “disability” benefits to “retirement” benefits. As with the Medicare coverage, this transition is usually fairly seamless, and benefit amounts should continue uninterrupted. The change is largely one in name only, and therefore should not cause undue financial stress.

Ultimately, then, those who are turning 65 shouldn’t panic. To the contrary, you will likely be able to receive even more services and have new options available that you didn’t have previously. Understandably, you may want help assessing the different options and making the choice that best fits your circumstances. For that reason and many others, consulting a knowledgeable and experienced attorney is always advised. At Disability Experts, we’re here for you.

Disability Experts – Here for You

At Disability Experts, we know that at times, the law can seem very confusing and complicated. It can be particularly stressful to have to worry about how these complex legal matters might affect your ongoing entitlement to benefits – and the last thing you need when you’re struggling with a disability is additional stress. The good news is that you don’t have to worry and wonder alone. Our talented and experienced team of advocates is here to help. We know and understand every aspect of the law pertaining to disability-related benefits, and we’ll always pursue the best legal strategies on your behalf. If you’re ready to get started today, give us a call. We look forward to speaking with you soon.