I'm on SSDD and I will be 65 in Feb. I had to retire early do to my disability at age 52. I took an offset to social security. Do I have to apply for social security at 65 or can I delay to I'm 66-68 or 70. How would that effect my retirement ? Also when I did get ssdd I was told I would have to apply for ss at age 65 and ss would give me the higher amount which probably would be ssdd.

Hi,

I'm assuming by SSDD you're referring to Social Security disability benefits (SSDI). Your SSDI will automatically convert to regular Social Security retirement benefits at the same rate when you reach your full retirement age (FRA) of 66. You won't need to file a separate application for retirement benefits.

Once you do reach FRA you could voluntarily suspend your retirement benefits in order to earn delayed retirement credits, which would add 8% to your benefit rate for each year that you don't receive benefits until age 70. However, you couldn't continue to draw SSDI once you reach age 66, so you wouldn't be receiving any type of benefits if you opted for voluntary suspension.

You mention taking some type of offset when you started receiving SSDI, but I don't know specifically what you are referring to by that. If your SSDI benefits are being offset due to receipt of Workers Compensation, the offset would no longer apply once your benefits convert to regular retirement at FRA. Furthermore, if your SSDI benefits are currently being offset you it may be advantageous for you to apply to start drawing Social Security retirement benefits sooner than FRA. If Workers Compensation offset is involved in your case, you may want to check with Social Security to investigate your options.

Best, Jerry