Social Security question: Can my SSDI husband switch to spousal benefits when I claim at 62?

no your husband cant do that. Once hes on SSDI hes already getting his full benefit amount. SSDI automatically converts to retirement at full retirement age but the amount stays the same. he can get spousal benefits if theyre higher than his SSDI but he cant get both or switch back and forth

Your husband's situation is actually quite straightforward from SSA's perspective. When someone receives SSDI, they're already receiving their full disability benefit amount, which is equivalent to their full retirement benefit (what they would get at FRA). There's no way to "let it grow" because it's already at the maximum primary insurance amount (PIA). When your husband reaches FRA, his SSDI will automatically convert to retirement benefits with no change in amount. No action needed on his part. Regarding spousal benefits - he could potentially receive those if half of your PIA (not your reduced benefit) is greater than his current SSDI. However, he would not receive both - only the higher of the two amounts. To determine if spousal benefits would help, you'd need to know your PIA (what you'd get at your FRA, not your reduced age 62 amount). If half of that exceeds his $1,750, then applying for spousal after you file might make sense. I recommend calling SSA or checking your my Social Security accounts online to get exact PIA figures before making any decisions.

I was in almost the exact situation last year!!! My wife was on SSDI for 8 years and I retired early. We talked to THREE different SS reps who gave us THREE different answers about whether she could get spousal benefits. It was so frustrating I almost gave up. Turns out the first person was right - she couldn't get spousal benefits because her SSDI was already higher than what she'd get as my spouse.

One thing nobodys mentioned - if ur retiring at 62 your benefit is gonna be reduced by like 30% from what you'd get at full retirement age. so that $1900 ur expecting might be way off. Not criticizing just saying make sure u know what ur really gonna get before making plans.

There's a lot of confusion around this topic, so let me clarify a few points: 1. SSDI benefits are calculated as if the person had reached Full Retirement Age (FRA). So your husband is already receiving his full benefit amount. 2. When your husband reaches FRA, his SSDI will automatically convert to retirement benefits with the same amount. There's no "growing" of SSDI benefits by waiting. 3. Regarding spousal benefits: Once you file for your retirement benefits, your husband could potentially qualify for spousal benefits, but ONLY if 50% of your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) exceeds his current SSDI benefit. Based on your figures ($3,100 PIA and his $1,750 SSDI), he would not qualify since half of your PIA ($1,550) is less than his current benefit. 4. Important: The 50% spousal benefit is calculated on your FULL PIA, not your reduced age 62 benefit. Given your circumstances, there would be no advantage for your husband to apply for spousal benefits since his SSDI is already higher than what he'd receive as a spouse.

Has anyone been able to actually REACH a real person at Social Security lately?? I've been calling for WEEKS about my husband's disability and retirement options and either get disconnected or told the wait is over 2 HOURS!!! How is anyone supposed to get answers about these complicated situations?!? It's INSANE that they make the rules so confusing then make it IMPOSSIBLE to talk to someone who can explain them!!!

dont forget that if ur still working when u claim at 62 you'll be subject to the earnings test! if you make over the limit (about $21k in 2023, probably higher in 2025) they'll withhold $1 for every $2 you earn over that. so many people dont realize this and get a nasty surprise

Based on your follow-up comments, it seems you've reached the right conclusion - there's no advantage for your husband to apply for spousal benefits since his SSDI is higher than what he'd receive as a spouse. One additional consideration: While your husband's benefit automatically converts at FRA with no change in amount, you might want to reconsider your own claiming strategy. By claiming at 62, you're accepting a permanent reduction of around 30% compared to your FRA benefit. Since you mentioned continuing to work part-time, you might be subject to the earnings test as another commenter noted. The earnings limit for 2025 will likely be around $23,000-24,000 (it adjusts with inflation), and benefits are reduced by $1 for every $2 earned above that limit until the year you reach FRA. If your earnings will be substantially above the limit, it might be worth reconsidering claiming early, as you'd essentially be filing for a reduced benefit that you may not even fully receive due to the earnings test.