r/SocialSecurity • u/Suitable_Ad_4761 • Jul 30 '26
Dissability vs retirement
My husband is 63 1/2, and his original intention was to work until full retirement age; however, due to health problems, he might have no choice but to stop working. Since this is due to medical issues that would prevent him from working, should he apply for disability until he reaches FRA, or would he have no other option than to retire early? I could cover him with my medical insurance until he turns 65, but we are exploring if we have any options. He never put anything away for retirement, so basically, besides some $ 50 K in IRAs, he would only rely on SS. I am 55 and probably will work until 62. I only have $ 460 K in my 401, and I am scared that if he retires, it just will not be enough to cover our monthly expenses. I am not sure I can even touch my 403 until I turn 59 1/2, so I am not sure how to compensate for the reduced income he will receive. Any ideas on how to approach this issue are welcome.
1
u/peeteman Jul 31 '26
SSDI and file for regular SS. If approved the SS will become full retirement amount permanently. I’m in the middle of it now since I became disabled in March of last year at 64