I am 76, work full time and receive SSI RETIREMENT. Can I also collect disability due to recovery period for knee surgery??

Hi. No. Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits can't be paid after a person reaches full retirement age (FRA), nor can anyone be paid both SSDI and Social Security retirement benefits for the same month(s).

SSDI and Social Security retirement are basically the same benefit. That is, both benefits are calculated based on the worker's earnings history. The main difference in the two benefit types is that SSDI benefits aren't reduced for age, whereas retirement benefits are reduced for age if a person starts collecting those benefits prior to FRA. Also, SSDI benefits can be paid at any age prior to when a person reaches FRA, while Social Security retirement benefits can only be paid from ages 62 and up.

SSDI benefits are calculated based on 100% of a person's primary insurance amount (PIA). A person's PIA is also equal to the Social Security retirement benefit rate they'd receive if they start drawing their benefits at full retirement age (FRA). So, in other words, qualifying for SSDI benefits prior to FRA enables a person to start drawing their full unreduced benefit rate (i.e. their PIA) without having to wait until FRA to start collecting. If a person qualifies for SSDI benefits prior to FRA, their SSDI benefits convert to regular Social Security retirement benefits once they reach FRA.

Best, Jerry