Social Security confusion - Does SSDI automatically convert to retirement at 62? Can I claim spousal benefits?

Yes, SSDI benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits when you reach full retirement age (FRA), which is currently 67 for those born after 1960. However, at 62, your husband's SSDI will continue as is - there is no automatic conversion at 62. The conversion only happens at FRA, and it's just an internal SSA change - the payment amount stays exactly the same. Regarding your question about spousal benefits, the rules changed with the 2015 Bipartisan Budget Act. If you were born after January 1, 1954 (which it sounds like you were), you can no longer file for just spousal benefits while letting your own benefit grow. When you file, you'll be deemed to be filing for all benefits you're eligible for, and you'll receive whichever is higher - your own retirement or the spousal benefit (which is up to 50% of your husband's full benefit).

My wife was on SSDI for 18 yrs before hitting retirement age. Nothing changed with her benefit at 62. They just kept paying the same amount until she reached FRA, then it converted automatically. The check amount stayed EXACTLY the same tho lol

You can't do what your trying to do anymore!!! They changed the rules years ago to stop people from getting spousal benefits while there own grows!!! It's called DEEMED FILING and it means you have to take BOTH benefits at once. You can only get whichever one is bigger not both!!! The government always finds ways to cut our benefits don't they???? 😡

Just to add some additional clarity to what others have said - your husband's SSDI will automatically convert to retirement benefits when he reaches his Full Retirement Age (FRA), which depends on his birth year. The conversion is purely administrative - the monthly amount stays exactly the same. Regarding spousal benefits, since you're both turning 62 in 2025, you were born after January 1, 1954, which means you're subject to the deemed filing rules. When you apply for either retirement or spousal benefits, you're deemed to be applying for both, and you'll receive the higher of the two. If you apply at 62, both your own retirement benefit and spousal benefit would be reduced due to early filing. Your own retirement would be reduced by about 30% from your full retirement amount, and the spousal benefit would be reduced to about 32.5% of your husband's benefit (instead of the full 50%). Also, important to note - you can only receive spousal benefits once your husband has filed for his benefits. Since he's on SSDI, that requirement is considered met.

That's correct - to get the full 50% spousal benefit, you would need to wait until your FRA to apply. And yes, since your husband is receiving SSDI, that counts as if he has already filed for retirement benefits, so you can apply for spousal benefits as soon as you're eligible (age 62), without having to wait for him to actually file for retirement.

Have you tried calling SSA directly? I was having the EXACT same issue trying to figure out spousal benefits vs my own retirement and could never get through their phone lines. I found this service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual SSA agent in less than 20 minutes. It was such a relief to finally talk to someone who could look at our specific situation. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU that shows how it works. After weeks of frustration, it was worth it to finally get answers about my specific situation rather than general advice!

SSDI to retirement is totally automatic at FRA, don't worry about it at all. But I'm confused by your question - are you working now? Because if you're not working and don't have your 40 credits, you might not qualify for retirement benefits on your own record anyway? In that case you'd only be eligible for spousal benefits.

Just want to warn you that even after your husbands SSDI converts to retirement, he MIGHT still be subject to the earnings test if he decides to work!!! SSA doesn't explain this well at all and my brother got hit with an overpayment because of it! If he's under FRA and earns over $22,320 (2025 limit i think?) they'll take back $1 for every $2 he earns over the limit!!! Just FYI!!!

Since several people have mentioned the SSDI to retirement conversion, I want to make sure one important point is clear: When SSDI converts to retirement at FRA, there is no change in benefit amount. Some people worry there will be a reduction, but the SSDI benefit amount simply continues as your retirement benefit amount. As for maximizing your benefits as a couple, you might want to consider whether it makes sense for you to wait until your FRA to file if your own benefit would be significantly higher than your spousal benefit. It's a complex calculation that depends on your respective benefit amounts, how long you expect to live, and your current financial needs.