What Happens to SSI When You Turn 62?
@greeneyedredhead61 asked:
My son receives SSI and has never had a job or paid into Social Security. He is almost 40 years old. If he lives to age 62, what will happen to his benefits? Since he has never worked or paid into Social Security, will he automatically be taken off SSI when he reaches 62?
If a person has never worked and does not qualify for retirement benefits on their own earnings record, simply reaching age 62 does not automatically end SSI eligibility. In general, SSI can continue as long as the person continues to meet the program's disability and financial requirements.
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What You Need to Know
Many families worry about what happens when a loved one receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) gets older. Based on how the programs operate today, reaching age 62 by itself does not automatically end SSI benefits.
SSI and Social Security retirement benefits are two different programs.
- Social Security retirement benefits are generally based on a person’s work history and the Social Security taxes they paid while working. People can often begin claiming retirement benefits as early as age 62 if they have enough work credits.
- SSI, on the other hand, is a needs-based program. It is available to certain people who are disabled, blind, or age 65 and older and who meet income and resource limits.
If a person has never worked and does not qualify for retirement benefits on their own earnings record, simply turning 62 would not normally trigger the loss of SSI benefits.
In general, a person may continue receiving SSI if they continue to:
- Meet Social Security’s disability requirements (if receiving SSI based on disability)
- Stay within SSI income limits
- Stay within SSI resource limits
- Continue meeting other program requirements
There is another factor that some families may want to be aware of. Certain disabled adults may become eligible for benefits based on a parent’s Social Security record if specific requirements are met. These benefits are sometimes called Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits. If eligibility for another Social Security benefit arises in the future, it could affect the type of benefit received or the amount paid.
Social Security periodically reviews eligibility, and future changes in income, resources, living arrangements, family circumstances, or program rules could affect benefits.
The safest way to understand how a future situation may be handled is to contact the Social Security Administration directly or review information on SSA.gov.