Can I suspend my SSDI at FRA then claim survivor benefits if spouse passes before 70?

I went through something similar. You're correct that you can't receive BOTH delayed retirement credits AND survivor benefits simultaneously. When you suspend your retirement benefit, you're essentially telling SSA you don't want any benefits right now so you can earn those delayed credits. But here's the key - if your spouse passes away, you'd have to choose between continuing the suspension (for the 8% annual increase) OR taking the survivor benefit. You can't do both. Since your benefit is already higher than your spouse's, the survivor benefit would likely be less than your own retirement benefit at age 70 anyway. Sorry about your spouse's health situation - that's really difficult.

sorry about ur spouse. but the bigger issue is ur SSDI. did u know SSDI automatically converts to retirement benefits at FRA? so u don't have to do anything. but i don't think u can suspend benefits that started as SSDI. pretty sure thats a rule. anyone else know?

Here's the definitive answer to your question: 1. Yes, you CAN suspend retirement benefits that originated as SSDI once you reach FRA. At FRA, SSDI automatically converts to retirement benefits, and all regular retirement benefit rules apply from that point forward. 2. If you suspend your retirement benefit and your spouse passes away before you reach 70, you WOULD be eligible to claim survivor benefits during that suspension period IF your spouse's benefit amount (plus any potential widow(er) increases) exceeds your own suspended benefit. 3. However, since you mentioned your benefit is higher than your spouse's, the survivor benefit would likely be lower than your own benefit anyway, especially after it grows with delayed retirement credits. 4. If you choose to take the survivor benefit, you would no longer earn delayed retirement credits on your own benefit while receiving survivor benefits. So yes, you theoretically could switch to survivor benefits if your spouse passes away during your suspension, but financially it might not make sense given your benefit is already higher.

When my husband went on SSDI they told us he couldn't do ANY suspending or changing after that. Period. SSA told us once you're on disability that's it, you're locked in for life!!! Maybe the rules changed??!!

I've been trying to get through to SSA for WEEKS to ask questions about my own benefits situation. Always busy signals or disconnects after waiting on hold forever. So frustrating! I found a service called Claimyr that helped me finally get through. It holds your place in line and calls you when an agent is available. Saved me hours of frustration! You can check it out at claimyr.com and there's a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU This kind of complex benefit situation definitely requires talking directly with SSA to get the right answer for your specific case.

My husband was on SSDI too and we had a whole different issue with benefits when he passed. Make sure you get EVERYTHING in writing from SSA because different agents tell you different things!!!!

One thing to consider: those Roth conversions during your suspension period. Smart move BUT be aware that suspending benefits doesn't reduce your Medicare premiums during those high-income years from the Roth conversions. You'll likely hit IRMAA surcharges that will significantly increase your Medicare costs for those years and the following two years. Factor that into your calculations to make sure the Roth conversions are still worth it.

As others have said, you're correct that you can suspend retirement benefits at FRA even if they originated as SSDI. However, regarding survivor benefits, there's an important distinction: when your spouse passes away, you'll have the CHOICE between: 1. Continuing your suspension to earn delayed credits on your own benefit 2. Ending your suspension to take survivor benefits Since your benefit is already higher than your spouse's, the survivor benefit (which would be based on their benefit amount) would almost certainly be lower than your own benefit would be at age 70 after earning delayed credits. One exception: if your spouse was also receiving SSDI or had significant delayed retirement credits, their benefit amount might be higher than you expect. It's worth getting a precise benefit estimate from SSA.

wait im confused. so you CAN suspend disability benefits?? i thought once ur on SSDI ur stuck forever?

I'm sorry to hear about your spouse's health situation. This is such a difficult time to be making these kinds of financial decisions. From what I understand reading through the responses, it sounds like you have a solid grasp of your options. Since your benefit is already higher than your spouse's, continuing the suspension until 70 would likely maximize your lifetime benefits even if the worst happens. Those delayed retirement credits really add up - that's an extra 32% on top of your FRA amount by age 70. One thing I'd suggest is getting exact benefit projections from SSA for both scenarios (your benefit at 70 vs. potential survivor benefits) so you can see the actual dollar amounts. Sometimes the numbers can surprise you, especially if there are cost-of-living adjustments or other factors you haven't considered. Also, given the complexity of your situation with the SSDI conversion, suspension, and potential survivor benefits, it might be worth consulting with a fee-only financial advisor who specializes in Social Security planning. They can help you model different scenarios and make sure you're not missing anything important. Wishing you and your spouse all the best during this challenging time.

I'm so sorry to hear about your spouse's diagnosis - that must be incredibly overwhelming to deal with while trying to navigate these complex benefit decisions. Based on what others have shared, it sounds like you have the right understanding of your options. Since you mentioned your SSDI benefit is already higher than your spouse's Social Security, the math likely favors continuing your suspension until 70 even if the unthinkable happens before then. Those delayed retirement credits could increase your benefit by up to 32%, which would probably exceed any survivor benefit amount. One additional consideration: if you do decide to suspend at FRA, make sure you understand how that affects your Medicare Part B premiums. You'll still need to pay those even while your cash benefits are suspended, so factor that into your budget planning during the suspension period. I'd also echo what others said about getting everything in writing from SSA. With a situation this complex involving SSDI conversion, suspension, and potential survivor benefits, you want to make sure you have documentation of exactly what your options are. Take care of yourself during this difficult time. These financial decisions are stressful enough without the added emotional burden you're carrying.