Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Social Security & Medicare

Captain Zero

(8,916 posts)

1. As I recall, for someone I knew several years back

Reply to Jacson6 (Original post)

Tue Apr 7, 2026, 11:34 PM

16 hrs ago

SS switched them over automatically at age 65.
SS gave them the greater of the two possible benefits.

SS looked at lifetime earnings including the ssdi years and compared it to just the ssdi they were receiving, and gave them the better of the two.
For this person I knew, the lifetime earnings provided a better benefit so that was what they started receiving.

Now this was like 7-8 years ago and the person's birth year made them eligible at 65. YOUR CASE AND Specifics and current law may be different.

Every case is different. Don't compare yourself to what you may know about others. That's the major thing I have learned about social security over the years and various cases I was privy to.

Edit history

Please sign in to view edit histories.

Recommendations

3 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

2naSalit 1WorldHope Mikey1cat

4 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

Anyone here been on SSDI and then signed up for SSA retirement? [View all] Jacson6 16 hrs ago OP

As I recall, for someone I knew several years back Captain Zero 16 hrs ago #1

Well... 2naSalit 16 hrs ago #2

I agree with the above. I think that you will get a letter from SSA after your birthday to let you know of the 1WorldHope 15 hrs ago #3

The transition is supposed to be seamless The Wizard 13 hrs ago #4