I am currently collecting Disability benefits. Will they continue until my full retirement age? Will they automatically be converted to regular social security at my FRA if I take no action? What actions must I take if I choose to delay taking benefits until I turn 70?

Hi. Assuming that your Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits don't get terminated due to work or medical improvement, then yes. SSDI benefits automatically convert to regular Social Security retirement benefits when a person reaches full retirement age (FRA), and in virtually all cases, the person's benefit rate remains unchanged after the conversion.

If you want to voluntarily suspend your retirement benefits between FRA and age 70 in order to earn delayed retirement credits (DRC), you must contact Social Security to request the suspension no later than in the month prior to the month you want the suspension to start. So, if you want to suspend your benefits starting with the month you reach FRA you must make your request with Social Security no later than the month prior to the month you reach FRA.

Voluntary suspension requests aren't required to be submitted in writing, but I would suggest that you do so in order to document your request. Many Social Security employees are apparently unaware of the rules for voluntary suspension, so if you run into problems you may need to refer them to the following section of the Social Security operations manual: https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202409110.

Best, Jerry