Dear Larry, I've been on full SSDI since 2006 and i'm turning 66 in 7 months from now (in May, 2018). I was a widow but remarried 3 years ago and my new husband is 69. I was told my SSDI benefit would continue at the same amount as it is now and turn into regular SS automatically when I turn 66. Is that correct? Do I need to do anything or contact SSA beforehand to increase my benefit using my new husband' income history?
Thank you So much for all the great work you do! God Bless You!!

Hi,

Yes, you're correct about your SSDI benefits automatically converting to regular retirement benefits at the same rate when you reach your full retirement age of 66. You don't need to do anything as far as that's concerned, but you may want to check on the possibility of receiving remarried widow's benefits on your first husband's record. A remarriage that occurs at or after age 60 doesn't rule out the possibility of receiving widow's benefits on a prior spouse's record, and if you do qualify for widow's benefits on your first husband's account it would almost certainly be advantageous to file for them ASAP.

You may also qualify for additional spousal benefits on your current husband's record, but only if he is receiving his benefits and half of his full retirement age rate (PIA) is higher than your SSDI rate. If you could qualify for spousal benefits, your spousal rate would be reduced if you file for those benefits prior to your full retirement age.

Best, Jerry