No, you cannot apply for SSDI at age 70
The most important distinction to understand is the difference between Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Social Security retirement benefits. For those born in 1960 or later, full retirement age is 67. By the time you reach age 70, you are past your full retirement age. The Social Security Administration (SSA) automatically converts an individual's SSDI benefits to Social Security retirement benefits upon reaching their full retirement age. You cannot collect both SSDI and retirement benefits simultaneously, and a new SSDI claim cannot be filed after this point.
If a severe medical condition has forced you to stop working, your options at age 70 involve retirement benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), not a new SSDI claim. The SSDI program is designed to bridge the gap for workers who become disabled before reaching full retirement age. Your SSDI payment is already calculated to be the same amount as your full retirement benefit, so there is no change in the payment amount when it automatically converts. In fact, delaying your claim for retirement benefits until age 70 results in the maximum possible benefit, thanks to Delayed Retirement Credits.
SSI as an option for seniors with limited resources
For those at age 70 who have limited income and resources, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may be a viable option. SSI is a separate federal program administered by the SSA that provides monthly cash benefits to individuals who meet certain financial criteria, regardless of their work history. At age 70, you qualify as an "aged" applicant, meaning you are over 65, and do not have to meet the disability criteria to be eligible for the program. However, your income and resources must fall below strict limits to qualify.
- Income limits: Your countable income, which includes Social Security benefits, wages, and other payments, must be below the federal benefit rate. The more income you have, the lower your SSI benefit will be.
- Resource limits: The SSA defines resources as cash, bank accounts, and other assets that could be converted to cash. For 2025, the resource limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple.
- Automatic eligibility: In some states, qualifying for SSI can also make you eligible for other benefits, such as Medicaid, which helps with healthcare costs.
Applying for SSI at age 70
The application process for SSI at age 70 is different from an SSDI claim. While SSDI claims often involve a lengthy medical review process, an SSI claim based on age relies on demonstrating financial need.
Steps to apply for SSI:
- Gather documentation: Collect information on all your income, bank accounts, pensions, and other resources. You will also need your birth certificate or other proof of age, citizenship, and residency.
- Contact the SSA: You can start the application process by calling the SSA's toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 or visiting a local Social Security office.
- Complete the application: An SSA representative will assist you with filling out the required forms, which will focus heavily on your financial situation.
- Wait for a decision: The SSA will review your financial information to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria for limited income and resources. Unlike a disability claim, this process is generally faster as it doesn't require a medical assessment.
Comparison: Disability vs. Retirement at Age 70
| Feature | Social Security Disability (SSDI) | Social Security Retirement | Supplemental Security Income (SSI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility at 70 | Not eligible for new claim. Benefits are converted to retirement automatically at Full Retirement Age (FRA). | Eligible. You can claim your benefits at age 70, resulting in the maximum possible monthly payment due to delayed retirement credits. | Eligible. Available for people aged 65+ with low income and limited resources, regardless of disability. |
| Work History Required | Yes, based on work credits earned from paying into Social Security. | Yes, based on work credits earned over a lifetime. | No, this is a needs-based program, not tied to work history. |
| Benefit Amount | Equal to your full retirement amount. The payment amount stays the same when it converts to retirement. | Highest possible monthly benefit. Delaying until 70 maximizes your monthly payment. | Varies based on income, resources, and living situation. Not a fixed amount like SSDI/retirement. |
| Medical Qualification | Must prove a severe medical condition prevents work until retirement age. | Not required, based solely on age and work record. | Not required for those aged 65 or older. Requires medical proof only if applying under the disability criteria below 65. |
| Financial Need | Not a factor, based on work record. | Not a factor, based on work record. | Yes, for low-income and resource individuals. Strict limits apply. |
Can I switch from retirement benefits to disability?
If you started taking early retirement benefits between age 62 and your full retirement age and later became disabled, there is a limited exception. You may be able to apply for SSDI, and if approved, your payments would increase to the full retirement amount that an SSDI recipient receives. However, once you reach your full retirement age, this possibility is no longer available. At age 70, you are past your full retirement age, and this exception does not apply. Your benefits are locked in, and your only potential recourse is SSI if you meet the financial requirements.
The process for filing your claim at 70
If you are 70 and not yet receiving Social Security benefits, you should apply for retirement benefits immediately. Waiting beyond age 70 will not increase your monthly benefit, as delayed retirement credits stop accruing at that point. Working past age 70 while collecting retirement can still increase your benefit amount, as the SSA will re-calculate your benefits based on your 35 highest-earning years.
- Check your benefit status: If you have been disabled and have not applied for benefits, ensure you haven't been missing payments you could have been receiving.
- Determine your eligibility: Use the SSA's online tools or call to determine your eligibility for SSI based on your income and resource levels.
- Apply online or by phone: The easiest way to apply for retirement benefits is online. You can also apply for SSI by calling the SSA or visiting a local office.
Conclusion
While you can't apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) at age 70, this does not mean you are without options. At this age, your SSDI benefits would have already converted to regular Social Security retirement benefits. For those who delayed claiming, age 70 is the optimal time to start collecting to maximize your monthly payment. For individuals with low income and few resources, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program remains a vital resource and is available to those 65 and older regardless of disability status. By understanding the distinction between these programs, seniors can navigate the system and secure the financial support they are entitled to based on their unique circumstances.
