Can I switch from survivor SSDI to my own benefits at Full Retirement Age?

sorry about ur husband. i think ur mixing up benefits. SSDI is disability. what ur talking about sounds like survivors benefits. totally different things

First, I'm very sorry for your loss. There's a lot of confusion here, so let me help clarify. What you're looking for are Survivor Benefits (not SSDI). As a widow, you can claim reduced survivor benefits as early as age 60 (or age 50 if disabled). Then at your Full Retirement Age (probably 67), you can switch to your own retirement benefit if it would be higher than the survivor benefit. This is actually a smart strategy many widows use. You collect survivor benefits first, let your own retirement benefit grow to its maximum, then switch. Just be aware that taking survivor benefits before your FRA means they'll be permanently reduced.

My condolences on your husband's passing. I went through this exact situation after my wife died. I started taking survivor benefits at 60 (reduced amount) and let my own benefit grow. Switched at my FRA and now get about $370 more per month than if I had just taken my own benefit early. Best financial decision I made!

You're asking about a great strategy, but let me add some important details. This is called a "restricted application" strategy. Here's what you need to know: 1. At age 60, you can apply for REDUCED survivor benefits (about 71.5% of your husband's full benefit) 2. Your own retirement benefit continues to grow until age 70 if you want maximum amount 3. You can switch to your own benefit at ANY point after your FRA if it would be higher 4. You MUST tell SSA explicitly when you want to switch - it's not automatic 5. While receiving survivor benefits, you can work, but be careful of the earnings limit before FRA I recommend calling SSA directly to discuss your specific situation, but be prepared for long wait times.

I just went through this whole process last year! After struggling to get through to SSA for weeks, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual SSA agent in under 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Once I finally spoke with someone, they confirmed I could take survivor benefits at 60 and switch to my own at FRA. The agent was super helpful explaining exactly how the calculation would work for my situation - definitely worth getting the personalized advice since everyone's numbers are different.

To answer your original question more directly: No, you cannot receive SSDI on your deceased husband's record. SSDI is only for people who are disabled and have their own work credits. What you CAN receive: 1. Survivor benefits as early as age 60 2. Your own retirement benefits as early as age 62 The optimal strategy for most widows is: - Take reduced survivor benefits at 60 (or wait until FRA for full survivor benefits) - Let your own benefit grow - Switch to your own benefit at FRA or later if it would be higher This strategy works especially well if your own benefit at FRA would be higher than the survivor benefit.

my aunt did the opposite. took her own benefit at 62 then switched to survivors after my uncle died when she was 66. ss is so complicated!!

Don't forget that if you're still working while collecting survivor benefits before FRA, you'll be subject to the earnings test! They'll deduct $1 for every $2 you earn above $22,320 (for 2025). I learned this the HARD WAY and had to pay back thousands!!! Make sure you understand ALL the rules before making any decisions!

Just wanted to add - when you do apply for survivor benefits, bring every document you can think of: marriage certificate, his death certificate, his social security number, birth certificates, etc. I made the mistake of not bringing everything and had to make another appointment. Also request an appointment rather than just showing up at your local office.