Dear Larry: I'm 62, have worked my entire life, expected to wait till 70 to retire. Had accident 6 months ago, totally disabled at moment but doing better month by month and expect to return to some kind of part time employment in next 6-9 months when finished treatment. LTD insurer through employer insisting I apply for SSDI now to reduce their monthly obligation. If SSDI is approved, how will it affect the amount of my retirement benefit at 66 or 70? Also, can I accept SSDI for only 12-18 months then stop it when I return to work? If so, how will it affect my benefit at 66 or 70?
My husband (of 10 years March 2018) is 71, is still working full time, and receiving his SS since turning 70.
Thanks for your help, don't know what to do but want/will need max benefits at time of retirement.

Hi,

Drawing Social Security disability benefits (SSDI) would not hurt your future benefit rate. If you stayed on SSDI until full retirement age (FRA), your benefits would convert to regular retirement benefits at the same rate. And, you would be free to voluntarily suspend your retirement benefits starting at FRA in order to earn delayed retirement credits (DRC) until age 70.

If you start drawing SSDI and your benefits are later suspended or terminated due to a return to work, you would still retain the option of delaying your retirement benefits until age 70 in order to receive maximum DRCs. And, your benefit rate could potentially be recalculated and increased as a result of your future earnings.

Best, Jerry