I am a widow and have been receiving SSDI since the age of 58 on my deceased husband's record. At what age does it turn to regular retired social security? 62 or 66? I was born in 1956. Also does the amount I receive increase from the 71.5% at all? I get conflicting answers. Any information you can provide will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for time.

Hi,

I first would need to know exactly what type of benefits you receive. SSDI is the abbreviation for Social Security disability benefits based on a person's own work record, and DWB is the abbreviation for disabled widow's benefits.

Since you say that your benefits are based on your husband's record, I'm assuming that you receive DWB and don't qualify for SSDI. If that's true, then your benefit rate won't change from the 71.5% of your husband's PIA that you currently receive. Your DWB would convert to regular widow's benefits at your full retirement age (FRA) of 66, but your rate would remain the same.

On the other hand, if you're receiving a combination of SSDI and DWB benefits and if your DWB entitlement began at or after the date you became entitled to SSDI, then the 28.5% reduction in your DWB benefits would be removed when you reach FRA.

There is a possibility that you could qualify for Social Security retirement benefits at age 62 or later without having qualified for SSDI, but that would be uncommon for someone who's receiving DWB. The only way that might help you, though, is if your own retirement benefit rate would be higher than your DWB rate.

Best, Jerry