I retired @ 60 on disability. @ 65 the disability changed to regular SS. I took a loss for early retirement so my benefit amount is set in stone. My spouse turned 62 this year & still working. Can I collect on spousal benefits now or what are my options? I’m also looking into full time employment but it will be after I turn 66 on 11/29/19.
The medical problem I had that caused early retirement has subsided. Only an occasional flare up. I will not be able to survive financially if my husband dies unless I work but don’t know how long I can do it. I’m pretty confused with all of this.
We have no retirement from our previous jobs or 401K. He was out of work for 5 years & we used it to live on & barely made it by. We still have a few bills we’re behind on.
What can we do? Can’t afford a financial advisor or even the cost to draw up a will. We are just in the survival mode & have been since 2013. Suggestions?

Hi,

I'm sorry to hear about your financial problems.

First of all, just to clarify, Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits convert to regular Social Security retirement benefits when the person reaches full retirement age (FRA), not age 65. And, SSDI benefits are not reduced for age. SSDI benefits are paid at the rate of a person's primary insurance amount (PIA), which is the same as a person's Social Security retirement benefit if they start drawing at FRA. So, it sounds like you must be receiving your full PIA if you started drawing SSDI at age 60, and that won't change when you reach FRA.

You couldn't qualify for spousal benefits at least until your husband starts drawing his Social Security retirement or disability benefits, and even then you would only be eligible for spousal benefits in addition to your own benefits if your PIA is less than half as much as your husband's PIA. However, if your husband dies before you you would then likely qualify for the higher of a) your own benefit rate, or b) your husband's benefit rate or PIA depending on when and if he files for his benefits.

Your husband's best strategy for claiming his benefits depends on a number of different factors, so he may want to strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to help determine the best way to maximize benefits.

Best, Jerry