Ask Larry

Can I Get Spousal Benefits With My Disability Benefits?

CAN I HET SPOUSAL BENEFIT WITH MY DISABILITY BENEFITS, AND IF THEY CANGETHE BENEFIT TO MY SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS CAN I STILL GET SOME OF THE SPOUSE'S BENEFITS MONEY?

Hi,

I assume you mean that you're drawing Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits. In that case you could only be eligible for spousal benefits while your spouse is living if 50% of your spouse's primary insurance amount (PIA) is higher than your own PIA. A person's PIA is equal to their Social Security retirement benefit rate if they start drawing their benefits at full retirement age (FRA), or their full SSDI rate.

Also, you must be at least age 62 to potentially qualify for spousal benefits or you must have an eligible child in your care, and your spouse must be drawing their benefits.

If you do qualify for spousal benefits in addition to your SSDI benefits, that wouldn't change when your SSDI benefits convert to regular Social Security retirement benefits at FRA.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
Aug 5 2020 - 11:02am
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