When can I claim spousal benefits if my husband is on SSDI? Confused about top-up timing

You can get the spousal benfit now! dont wait. My cousin just went thru this exact thing and she got backpay too

You should be eligible for the spousal benefit top-up right now since you've already reached your Full Retirement Age. When your spouse is receiving SSDI, you don't need to wait until they reach any particular age - the spousal benefits work the same as if they were already receiving retirement benefits. Since you took your own benefits early at 62, your own benefit was permanently reduced, but the spousal top-up will be calculated to bring your total to 50% of your husband's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). The important thing is that YOU have reached your FRA, which you have. This top-up is NOT automatic - you need to apply for it. I'd recommend calling SSA directly to file the application. Make sure you have your husband's Social Security number and the date he began receiving SSDI when you call.

I've been working with Social Security rules for years, and I can confirm you're eligible now. The key factors for spousal benefits when one spouse is on SSDI are: 1. YOU must be at least 62 (which you are) 2. You must be married at least one year (you mentioned 35 years) 3. For FULL spousal benefits without reduction, you need to be at FRA (which you are at 66+2 months) Since you're past your FRA, you qualify for the maximum spousal benefit, which would be the difference between your current reduced benefit and 50% of your husband's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). The calculation is: If 50% of husband's PIA > your current benefit → you get the difference as a "top-up" For example, if your current benefit is $1,200 and your husband's PIA is $3,000, you would receive an additional $300 ($1,500 - $1,200) to bring your total to $1,500. This is NOT automatic - you need to apply specifically for the spousal benefit.

@MarieP That's a great question. The 50% is based on your husband's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), NOT his actual SSDI payment. The PIA is the amount he would receive at his full retirement age. Since SSDI benefits are equal to 100% of the PIA, in most disability cases the monthly payment IS the PIA. However, if your husband's SSDI includes any reductions (like for worker's compensation offset) or increases (like for delayed retirement credits, which generally don't apply to SSDI), then his actual payment might differ from the PIA. The spousal benefit calculation will still use 50% of the PIA figure. You can find out his exact PIA by calling SSA or checking his annual benefit statement.

Ugh, good luck getting through to anyone at Social Security! I've been trying for WEEKS to ask a similar question and I keep getting disconnected or told the wait time is more than 2 hours. So frustrating!!!!!

I think everyone here is missing something important. You CANNOT get spousal benefits until your husband converts from SSDI to retirement benefits at his full retirement age!!! This is what happened to my sister. She thought she could get spousal benefits while her husband was on disability but SSA told her no. Just trying to save you from disappointment.

Have you checked your MySocialSecurity account online? Sometimes it shows estimates of different benefit options. that might tell you what to expect before you call.

what was your FRA? isnt it 67 now? im confused how your already at FRA at 66 and 2 months

Just wanted to update everyone. I called SSA this morning (took forever to get through!) and the representative confirmed I AM eligible for the spousal top-up right now - I didn't need to wait until my husband reaches any specific age. However, there was a correction to my original post - I miscalculated my FRA. Since I was born in 1959, my actual FRA is 66 and 10 months, which I haven't reached yet. The rep said I can still apply now, but the amount will be slightly reduced until I reach my true FRA in 8 months. I decided to go ahead and apply now anyway, since the reduction is small and I'd rather start receiving the higher benefit amount. Thank you all for your help!