Confused about PIA after SSDI to retirement transition - need to calculate spousal benefits

ur PIA is what SSA uses to calcuate how much you get for certain. SSDI = 100% of PIA always, and retirement at FRA = 100% of PIA. so if u didnt see any change when u went from SSDI to retirement, thats probably why. the PIA gets COLAs every year so it goes up, but the formula is the same

Your situation is actually quite straightforward once you understand how SSA handles the transition from disability to retirement benefits. When you reach Full Retirement Age (FRA), SSDI benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits. The good news is that your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) remains exactly the same during this conversion. So what you're receiving now is indeed your current PIA, which includes all the COLAs that were applied during your years on disability. Regarding spousal benefits: If your PIA is less than 50% of your husband's PIA, you would be eligible for a spousal top-up to bring your total benefit to 50% of his PIA. However, you need to specifically apply for the spousal benefit - it's not automatic. You can verify your current PIA by: 1. Checking your most recent benefit verification letter (you can request one online) 2. Looking at your Social Security Statement if you can access it 3. Calling SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213 I recommend option #3 since you're specifically looking to apply for spousal benefits anyway.

Dealing with same exact thing right now!!! SSA website is USELESS after transition from SSDI to retirement. All my info just disappeared! Been trying to call for 3 weeks but keep getting disconnected after waiting forever. Going to my local office next week but they're booked out til November for appointments so have to take my chances as a walk-in. This system is completely broken!!!

I went through this exact situation last year. Your current benefit amount IS your PIA with all COLAs applied. The PIA is the base amount used to calculate benefits, and at FRA, you receive 100% of your PIA whether it's SSDI or retirement. For spousal benefits calculation, here's what you need to know: 1. Calculate 50% of your husband's PIA 2. Compare that to your own PIA (your current benefit) 3. If 50% of his PIA is higher, you'll get a supplement to make up the difference Example: If his PIA is $2,800, then 50% is $1,400. If your PIA is $1,250, you'd get a $150 spousal top-up. Just be aware that the SSA representative may need to look up your husband's information when you call, so have his SSN handy. Also, spousal benefits don't include any delayed retirement credits he might have earned if he waited past FRA to claim. I tried calling about this but ended up using Claimyr.com to get through to a representative without waiting for hours. They have a service that gets you connected to an actual SSA agent quickly. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU that shows how it works. Saved me a ton of frustration.

Yes, it really works. I was skeptical too but was desperate after getting disconnected three times. The service connects you to an actual SSA agent, usually within 15-20 minutes. I used it twice - once for this spousal benefit issue and again when I had a question about taxes on my benefits. One tip: when you do talk to SSA, specifically ask them to check if you're eligible for the "excess spousal benefit" - that's the technical term for the top-up amount. And request that they make it retroactive to when you became eligible (likely when you reached FRA 8 months ago). You might get some back pay.

I don't understand why SSA makes all this so complicated! When I converted from disability to retirement last year, I was also confused about my PIA. The website should clearly show your PIA, but it doesn't! I eventually found mine by requesting a benefit verification letter through the SSA website (under "My Social Security"). It listed my monthly benefit amount which is my PIA at FRA. For spousal benefits, you need to apply - either online through the SSA website or by calling/visiting. Based on the numbers you mentioned, you're definitely leaving money on the table if you don't apply. BTW, my local office was actually pretty quick when I went in person without an appointment - I went right when they opened at 9am and was out by 10:30. Much better than waiting on the phone forever!

this is why the SSA is so frustrating!!! they should make this stuff CLEAR on their website!!! i'm years away from FRA but I'm already dreading dealing with all this. the fact that info disappears when you convert from SSDI to retirement is ridiculous. it's OUR information and WE should be able to access it whenever we want!!! my mom went through something similar and ended up having to make THREE trips to the SSA office because each time they gave her different information. can you believe it??? THREE TRIPS!!! and she's in a wheelchair! i hope you get this figured out without too much more hassle!!!

just wondering if you solved this yet? im in a similar situation and wondering if I should just hire a financial advisor who specializes in SS to figure this out for me. feels like an unnecessary expense but the opportunity cost of missing out on benefits seems worse!