Does SSDI impact spouse's ability to claim Social Security spousal benefits?

your sister can get both at same time!! my wife got ssdi and then got my spousal benefit when i retired. the letter is real

Yes, this is absolutely legitimate. Your sister-in-law CAN receive both SSDI and spousal benefits simultaneously. Here's how it works: When someone receives SSDI based on their own work record and their spouse files for retirement benefits, the disabled spouse may be eligible for an additional spousal benefit if 50% of the spouse's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) is higher than their own SSDI benefit. The SSA will pay the higher of: 1. The person's own SSDI benefit, OR 2. A combination that equals up to 50% of their spouse's PIA Since she's under her FRA, there will be a reduction in the spousal portion if she claims it now. The SSA letter is likely explaining this option to her.

This happened to my cousin too. She got the letter after her husband hit 67. She was so confused but when she finally got through to someone at SSA they explained she'd get a small increase - not the full 50% spousal amount, just the difference between her SSDI and what 50% of his benefit would be. It wasn't a ton but every bit helps!

The SSA letter is correct but what they don't explain well is that this isn't FULL spousal benefits in addition to SSDI. Your sister-in-law will only get the DIFFERENCE between her current SSDI benefit and what her spousal benefit would be (if that's higher). Since she's 62 and below her FRA, any spousal benefits would be permanently reduced - probably to around 35% of your brother's PIA instead of 50%. She should definitely respond to the letter and apply, but keep her expectations realistic about the amount. She needs to call SSA to process this - there's no automatic enrollment.

my wifes extra was about $200 more each month when she got husbands spousal. but they did lots of math i dont understand lol. something about PIA and dual entitlement

Thank you all for the explanations! I'll let my sister-in-law know she should definitely follow up on the letter. Sounds like she might get a small boost in her monthly amount, which would really help with her medical expenses. I'm guessing she'll need to call them to proceed?

I just applied for this last month!!! The letter surprised me too. After DAYS of trying to reach someone, they told me it's called "dual entitlement" and I'm getting an extra $137/month on top of my SSDI. Not life-changing but definitely helps with groceries. They backdated it too for 2 months since that's when my husband started his benefits. Tell her to call ASAP - they won't automatically add it!!

One important thing that hasn't been mentioned: this additional benefit won't affect her Medicare or any SSDI reviews. The spousal benefit is just added to her existing entitlement and doesn't change her status as a disabled beneficiary or trigger any medical reviews. She should also know that when she reaches her own FRA, there will be another potential adjustment as the early filing reduction no longer applies to the spousal portion. It's worth calling SSA at that time as well.

My sister just went through this! She had to provide her husband's SSN, their marriage certificate, and her current benefit verification letter. It took a phone call and then they mailed her forms. Make sure she keeps copies of EVERYTHING she sends them!

Just wanted to add my experience - I was on SSDI for 3 years when my husband retired at 66. Got the same confusing letter your sister-in-law received! Turned out I was eligible for an extra $89/month because 50% of his benefit was slightly higher than my SSDI amount. The key thing is you have to ACT on that letter - it doesn't happen automatically. I called the 1-800 number (took forever to get through) and they walked me through it over the phone. They needed our marriage certificate and his benefit info, but they were able to process it during that same call. The extra amount started the next month and they even gave me 2 months of back pay. Tell her not to ignore that letter - it's legit money she's entitled to!