Larry,
I had to retire on SS Disability in 2010 at the age of 48 and unfortunately my husband had to file for disability benefits due to a car accident (brain injury) in January of 2018... Of course his benefits are significantly more than mine as he worked alot longer than I did. Is there any way at all I may be able to increase my benefit...if not now, when I reach SS age? I'm 57 in October. If so, what can I do...even with both of our small checks money is tight.
Thank you

Hi,

Your own benefit rate wouldn't increase unless you return to work at some point and earn enough to raise your rate. However, doing so could cause you to lose your benefits altogether. Monthly earnings of more than $1220 per month in 2019 is considered to be substantial gainful activity (SGA), which could cause your Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits to be suspended (https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10095.pdf). Assuming that you don't return to work, though, your SSDI benefits will convert to regular Social Security retirement benefits at the same rate when you reach your full retirement age (FRA).

However, if your husband's full SSDI rate is more than twice as much as your full SSDI rate, then you will likely qualify for spousal benefits in addition to your own benefits when you reach age 62. However, if you file for spousal benefits before your full retirement age (FRA) they'd be reduced for age.

For example, say Tara receives SSDI benefits at a rate of $800 per month. Tara's husband also receives SSDI benefits and his rate is $2000 per month. When Tara turns age 62 she files for reduced spousal benefits on her husband's record, and her unreduced spousal rate is calculated by subtracting her full SSDI rate, which is equal to her primary insurance amount (PIA), from 50% of her husband's full SSDI rate. In Tara's case, this results in an unreduced spousal rate of $200 (i.e. $2000/2 - $800). However, since Tara is claiming her spousal benefits at age 62 instead of her FRA of age 67, her spousal rate is reduced by 35% to $130. That reduced rate would then be paid in addition to Tara's own SSDI rate, giving her combined monthly benefits of $930 (i.e. $800 + $130).

Best, Jerry