Can You Get SSDI and Pension at the Same Time? Get SSI and SSDI Simultaneously

Individuals can receive both SSI and SSDI at the same time if they meet the eligibility criteria for both benefits. However, individuals can’t receive Social Security retirement and disability benefits altogether because SSDI benefits are automatically converted by SSA to retirement benefits at full retirement age. 

Can You Get SSDI and Pension at the Same Time? 

It is possible to receive both the SSDI and pension at the same time if your pension comes from various sources, including private companies, government jobs, military service, or any other source where you have served in your life. But if we are talking about the Social Security Retirement Pension benefit then the process is slightly different. You can’t get your SSA Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Social Security Retirement Pension at the same time. When individuals reach the retirement age and they are getting SSDI then the Social Security Administration changes their benefit type to retirement. 

As social security benefits are means tested and the law does not allow anyone to get both supports at the same time on one earning record. The SSDI and Retirement Pension benefit has specific eligibility criteria which must be met by individuals in order to get assistance. It’s important to understand and make effective decisions for getting your retirement and disability benefits. In this article, you can thoroughly explore these benefits so you can easily decide whether you should go for a retirement pension or SSDI. So, keep connected with us.

What are SSDI and Retirement Pension? 

Let’s thoroughly examine each perspective of both social security benefits for your ease.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI):

Individuals who are not able to work under the qualifying disabilities can benefit from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) which is a federal program designed for financial assistance. This disability support is given to those who meet the qualifying criteria as well as the working year limit. Your lifetime earnings can contribute to the calculation of your disability benefits. 

Social Security Retirement Pension Benefit:

The Social Security pension covers lower or no-income individuals by giving them monthly payments. These payments are just like oxygen masks for the individual whose age is above 62 and they have stopped employment. Those who wait longer and do not apply early for retirement are eligible for higher pension payouts. Individual children are also eligible for the retirement pension amount for your work with certain other requirements.

How can I calculate SSDI and Retirement Pension?

The calculation of SSDI and retirement pension is a significant topic to discuss; so we can do it here:

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI):

SSDI benefit amount is calculated by considering your lifetime earnings before the start of your disability if you have stopped working and your current income if you are working but for fewer hours. If you want to estimate and calculate your SSDI payment amount then you can do it on the official website by following this link https://www.ssa.gov/disability/amount. On this page you have to first log in with your social security account details then by providing the required information you can calculate the amount of your benefit.

Social Security Retirement Pension Benefit:

Social Security Retirement Pension benefits will be calculated using a similar method of  SSDI and SSA will determine individual earnings records to review their lifetime earnings and their 35 years highest earnings are taken into consideration to provide them a benefit amount. The age at which individuals claim retirement pension amounts greatly affects the amount they receive.

If individuals claim this benefit before their full retirement age then their benefits are reduced and if they delay claiming their benefits until 70 then their benefit amount increases. Individuals can also estimate their retirement benefits by using the calculating tool which is provided by officials at https://www.ssa.gov/disability/amount. On this page, you have to follow the same process as per the SSDI to calculate your retirement pension.

SSDI and Retirement Pension: Who is Eligible?

Now, let me guide you here whether you are eligible for SSDI and Retirement Pension or not.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI):

The eligibility criteria for SSDI benefit is here to check:

  • Individuals have a qualifying disability and they must meet specific criteria for specific eligibility.
  • Your medical condition must meet Social Security’s strict requirements such as individuals can’t do work due to disability that they did before, or can’t do any work due to your medical conditions or individuals disability is or was lasted for at least one year or result in death.

Social Security Retirement Pension Benefit:

The eligibility criteria for Social Security retirement pension benefit is available here to check:

  • Individuals can start to receive their retirement benefits as early as 62 years of age with less amounts and as late as 70 years of age to get higher benefits.
  • Individual’s earnings will be considered to determine their eligibility for their retirement pension.

Can you get SSI and SSDI at the same time?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly payments of up to $943 for people with limited income, resources and it’s a needy base program that assists those who are in need. On the other hand, SSDI is an insurance program that only assists those individuals who have paid social security taxes. If you’re eligible, you may be able to receive Disability and SSI at the same time. If an individual’s SSDI benefit payment is low then you can make it higher after applying for SSI. While anyone can apply for SSI and SSDI at the same time, you must meet the eligibility criteria to get both benefits.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, it is necessary to understand that If any individual continues to be disabled, then their SSDI benefits will automatically convert to Social Security retirement benefits when they reach full retirement age which ensures transition of benefits type without any change in the benefit amount. If the individual is getting a pension from other sources like jobs, militaries, etc then can get SSDI without any worry. Individuals can also get SSI and SSDI at the same time by meeting the requirements. I hope your all concerns regarding this FAQ have been resolved by reading this blog. 

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