I'm on disability and just turned 62 on Nov -11-2022. Do I need to apply for Social Security ? Also how do I know that I am getting the most that I can draw ?

Hi. Assuming that what you receive are Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits, then no. You can't be paid both SSDI benefits and Social Security retirement benefits at the same time. You could apply for Social Security retirement benefits, but if you choose to draw those benefits instead of SSDI your monthly benefit rate will go down. SSDI benefits are calculated at 100% of a person's primary insurance amount (PIA), whereas retirement benefits at age 62 are paid at a rate of 70% of a person's PIA.

Generally, the only circumstances in which it might be advisable for a person drawing SSDI to consider switching to Social Security retirement benefits prior to their full retirement age (FRA) is if a) their SSDI benefits are being offset because they also receive workers compensation benefits or a public disability benefit, or b) they have an eligible spouse and/or child who could receive a higher auxiliary benefit rate because of a higher family maximum benefit (FMB) rate that might apply, or c) if the person is earning enough to cause their SSDI benefits to be suspended. If none of those apply in your case, you should almost certainly just continue drawing your SSDI benefits until they automatically convert to Social Security retirement benefits when you reach FRA.

However, if the disability benefits you are collecting are Supplemental Security Income (SSI), then you'd be required to apply for Social Security retirement benefits at age 62 if you qualify. SSI is a needs based program administered by Social Security, and one of the requirements for SSI eligibility is that you must apply for any other benefits for which you're eligible.

Best, Jerry