I've been receiving SSI for 2years. I am now 62. SS OFFICE told me a few months back, when I turn 62, I should come back & apply for Social Security and I would also be receiving a raise in my monthly benifit. Is this true? And if so, would I be accepting a reduced payment for not waiting til I turn 65? Thanks for your help! God bless You

Hi,

When you say that you're receiving SSI, I'm not sure if you mean Supplemental Security Income (https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/), or Social Security disability (SSDI). Both programs are run by the Social Security Administration, but the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is a needs based benefit, whereas SSDI is based on work and earnings.

If you're receiving Supplemental Security Income and not SSDI, you'll be required to apply for Social Security retirement benefits at age 62 if you qualify, even though they will be reduced for age. Filing for all other benefits is a requirement for SSI eligibility, so your SSI would terminate if you failed to file for other benefits, like Social Security, for which you become eligible. Your SSI will be offset when and if you begin receiving Social Security benefits, so you may or may not receive an increase in your total benefits, depending on the level of your Social Security benefits.

On the other hand, if you are receiving Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits, you don't need to apply for retirement benefits at age 62. SSDI benefits automatically convert to unreduced retirement benefits when the recipient reaches full retirement age, which in your case is age 66.

Best, Jerry