Q: I retired on full CSRS disability from the U.S. Postal Service in 1991. I am 64 years old. When I turn 65 will I get or apply for regular Social Security retirement, or do I just get the federal disability until I die?
A: You would only be eligible for a Social Security disability benefit if you had the required number of Social Security credits and were judged by SSA to be disabled for all gainful employment. If you didn’t meet that last definition and had at least 40 credits under Social Security, you would be eligible for a regular Social Security benefit; however, if you had fewer than 30 years of substantial earnings under Social Security, your benefit would be reduced because of the windfall elimination provision of law. Regardless, your CSRS annuity would continue as before.
