I am 60, almost 61 and am disabled. I collect SSD and LTD from previous employer until 65. My husband has liver cancer and is not doing well. Will they automatically transfer his SSI to me? The reason I ask is my LTD offered a buyout if I don’t take it and SSI starts paying me my husband’s SSI it will cancel my Ltd due to the increase in funds, if I do take the buyout I will loose 15k over the next 4 yrs. With the Medical bills I cannot afford to loose any of it. Can I wait to take survivor benefits till I am 65 or will Social Security start survivor benefits automatically?

Hi,

I'm sorry to hear about your husband's illness.

No, you couldn't be paid any Social Security survivor benefits unless and until you apply for them. I assume that's what you're referring to with the abbreviation 'SSI', although that abbreviation is normally used in reference to Supplemental Security Income. In any case, if you husband dies you could elect to continue collecting your Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits and defer applying for survivor benefits indefinitely.

Best, Jerry