Ask Larry

If The Amount I Receive Won't Change, Can I Go Ahead And Retire?

I'm 62, on disabilty, because the amount I receive wont change, can i go ahead and retire

Hi,

I'm not sure what you're asking. If you're drawing Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits and you're working, then I assume your earnings are below $1260 per month since higher earnings could cause your benefits to be terminated. Your earnings won't increase your SSDI benefit rate or your future Social Security retirement benefit rate unless your calendar year earnings are higher than one or more of your previous highest earnings years that Social Security used to calculate your benefit rate. Your SSDI benefits will convert to regular Social Security retirement benefits when you reach your full retirement age (FRA).

Even if your earnings aren't high enough to increase your benefit rate, though, if you stop working you will no longer have the income from your earnings. I have no way of knowing whether or not you can afford that, so that's a decision that you'll need to make on your own.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
Jan 17 2020 - 11:59am
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