Hi, thank you for your service. I am 64 and have been on SSDI since 2011. My husband is 69 and began taking SS at 65.
When I turn 65 in May, will SSDI change to SS and amount stay the same. Is there anything I can do to maximize social security?
Since my husband took SS early will I receive any benefits? Should I take those benefits now?

Thank you.

Hi,

Your Social Security disability benefits (SSDI) will convert to regular retirement benefits at age 66. Your monthly rate will almost certainly stay the same at that point.

If 50% of your husband's full retirement age rate (PIA) is higher than your disability rate, you could be eligible for an additional spousal benefit from his record. In that case, your spousal rate would be reduced if you file before your full retirement age, so it would probably be best to start them at age 66.

But, if your disability benefit rate is more than 50% of your husband's PIA, about the only thing that you could do to increase your benefit rate would be to suspend your benefits when they convert to retirement benefits at age 66. If you suspend your benefits from age 66 to age 70, your benefit rate would be 32% higher when you resume drawing them at age 70. That would obviously mean going without benefits for 4 years, though.

You may want to consider using the maximization software in order to explore your options and determine your best strategy.

Best, Jerry