I am turning 60 soon and my spouse is 63 and receiving SSDI. I am currently on leave from work due to chronic illness, and I may not return to work. My earnings amount is much lower than my husband's amount. If I am granted SSDI, what will either one of us be eligible for once we reach FRA or if one of us dies? My main question is how does both spouses receiving SSDI affect future benefits?

Hi,

If you're approved for Social Security disability benefits (SSDI), you will receive what is essentially your full retirement age rate early. Your disability benefits would then convert to retirement benefits at the same rate when you reach full retirement age. The same applies to your husband.

If your husband's disability benefit rate (PIA) is more than twice as much as your disability rate/PIA, you could file for an excess spousal benefit on his record when you reach age 62. However, your spousal rate would be reduced if you start taking the spousal benefits prior to full retirement age.

Best, Jerry