I am 56 and on disability $2389/month and understand it will convert to ss at fra which is at age 67. My husband will be 62 next week and he intends to work until 70. His estimated ss will be $1777/month. Because he is self employed and we currently pay bcbs insurance for him on an individual policy. He will need to get on medicare at 65 since bcbs will not continue his coverage. We need advice on how to proceed. We will get the total of the two amounts when he turns 70? Thanks for your time.

Hi,

Yes, you're correct that your disability benefits will convert to retirement benefits when you reach full retirement age, and benefit amount will almost certainly stay the same. In some limited circumstances, the retirement benefit can be a bit higher than the disability benefit, but it won't be any lower.

Your husband's full retirement age benefit amount (PIA) is apparently more than half of yours, so he'll only be eligible on his own record. His benefit amount will be highest if he waits until age 70 to start, and you'll each receive your own benefits. After that, if you die first, he will receive your benefit amount since it is higher than his. Actually, he would continue to receive his own benefit plus an excess widower's benefit equal to the difference between your 2 benefit amounts. The net result is that he would get your benefit amount instead of his. If your husband dies first, you would just continue getting your own benefit since it's higher. There is also a one-time death benefit of $255 payable to the surviving spouse.

Regarding Medicare, your husband can apply for Medicare only at age 65 without applying for monthly benefits. That can be done online, in person or by phone. Refer to this link for more information: https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/.

Best, Jerry