Just wanted to add one more thing that helped me when I applied - create your MySocialSecurity account online BEFORE you actually apply for benefits. This way you can familiarize yourself with the interface and also monitor your application status after you submit it. I created mine about 6 months before applying and it made the whole process much smoother. You can also use it to double-check your earnings history and benefit estimates before you commit to a start date. The account setup takes a few days to verify, so don't wait until the last minute!

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - make sure you have all your documents ready before you apply! SSA will need your birth certificate, W-2s or tax returns, and bank account info for direct deposit. I applied online but then had to mail in documents which delayed my processing by almost 2 months. If you have everything uploaded or ready to mail when you submit your application, it'll go much smoother. Also keep copies of everything you send them - I learned that the hard way when they "lost" my birth certificate the first time!

I wanted to add something that might help streamline your process - when you gather your documents, also try to find any old Social Security statements from during your marriage if you still have them. These annual statements sometimes show estimated benefits for spouses, which could give you a rough idea of what to expect. Also, regarding the phone system issues everyone mentioned - I've found that using the SSA's online "my Social Security" portal can sometimes be more efficient than calling. You can't file for divorced spouse benefits online, but you can review your own earnings record and sometimes get benefit estimates that might help you prepare for your appointment. One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet is that if you're approved for divorced spouse benefits, you may also want to ask about Medicare implications. Since you're already on SSDI, you probably have Medicare, but sometimes changes in benefit amounts can affect Medicare premiums or eligibility for programs like Extra Help with prescription drug costs. Given everything you've shared - the 23-year marriage, his IT management career, and your current financial struggles - I really think this is worth pursuing. The worst case scenario is you find out you're not eligible for more money, but the potential upside could significantly improve your quality of life. Best of luck with your appointment!

I just want to echo what everyone else has said and add my own encouragement - definitely pursue this! I went through a very similar situation about 3 years ago. I was also on SSDI (due to a back injury) and had been divorced for over 2 years from my ex who was in a high-earning profession. The process was honestly easier than I expected once I got past the initial phone call hurdle. I ended up getting an extra $380/month, which has made such a difference in my ability to cover basic expenses. What really surprised me was that I qualified for about 8 months of retroactive payments since I had been eligible but just didn't know about it. One thing I'd suggest is to go into your appointment with realistic expectations but also don't be afraid to advocate for yourself. The first SSA representative I spoke with seemed to be discouraging me from applying, almost like it wasn't worth the paperwork. But I persisted and I'm so glad I did. Also, don't let anyone make you feel guilty about claiming benefits on your ex's record. You paid into the system during your marriage just like he did, and you're entitled to these benefits. It doesn't take anything away from him and he'll never even know unless you tell him. Good luck - I have a really good feeling this is going to work out well for you!

I just wanted to thank everyone who shared their experiences and solutions in this thread! As someone who's relatively new to navigating SSA services, this was incredibly eye-opening. I had no idea these outages were so common or that there were workarounds like Claimyr or keeping backup plans ready. The tips about timing patterns, having multiple browser accounts set up, and knowing local office details are all things I'm going to implement right away. It's unfortunate that we have to work around such unreliable systems, but this community's collective knowledge really shows how we can support each other through these frustrating situations. I'm definitely bookmarking this thread for future reference!

As a newcomer to this community, I'm really impressed by how quickly everyone jumped in to help Felix with this issue! I've been lurking here for a while but this is my first time posting. I actually experienced the same SSA website problems yesterday when trying to check on my SSDI review status. Like others mentioned, I got the timeout errors and couldn't log into my account at all. What really struck me reading through all these responses is how knowledgeable everyone is about workarounds and backup strategies. I had never heard of services like Claimyr or thought about keeping local office numbers handy. The tip about SSA systems having more issues during the first few days of each month is something I wish I'd known earlier - I always seem to try accessing my account at the worst possible times! It's frustrating that in 2025 we're still dealing with these outdated government systems, but this community's collective wisdom really makes navigating SSA challenges feel much more manageable. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and solutions - I'm definitely going to implement several of these backup strategies going forward!

Just curious - did you work at all in December? If so make sure you know about the earnings test if you're still working. Doesn't apply once you hit FRA though.

Grace, you're definitely not too late! I went through this exact same situation two years ago - also missed applying right at my FRA due to holiday chaos. The 6-month retroactive window that others mentioned is absolutely correct. I applied in February for January benefits and received my full January payment in March along with my February payment. The key is to apply online at ssa.gov as soon as possible and clearly specify January 2025 as your desired benefit start date. There's a specific question about this during the application process. Don't worry about the phone wait times - the online application is actually faster and you can save your progress if needed. You've got this!

As a newcomer to this community, I'm really grateful to have found this thread! I'm in a somewhat similar situation with my adopted granddaughter (age 9) who receives survivor benefits from her mother. My husband and I are considering early retirement next year, so reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly valuable. One thing I wanted to add that might help - when we first started navigating SSA with our granddaughter's benefits, we discovered that keeping a detailed log of every interaction was crucial. I created a simple notebook where I record the date, time, representative's name/ID, phone number or office location, and exactly what was discussed or decided. This has been invaluable when following up on previous conversations or when getting conflicting information. Also, I noticed several people mentioned the importance of bringing multiple documents. In our experience, SSA sometimes requests additional documentation that you might not expect. Along with the adoption decree and birth certificates that others mentioned, consider bringing school enrollment records, medical records, and any court documents related to guardianship. Having everything with you can prevent additional trips. @Zara Ahmed - your proactive approach to researching this before the adoption is finalized is so smart! Based on what everyone has shared, it sounds like your grandson will be well-protected financially. The complexity can seem overwhelming, but this community has shown there are people who've successfully navigated these exact waters. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences - this thread is going to be a great resource for families in similar situations!

As someone new to this community, I'm really touched by how supportive and knowledgeable everyone has been in helping @Zara Ahmed navigate this complex situation. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly educational! I wanted to add one perspective that might be helpful - I work as a paralegal at a firm that handles family law cases, including adoptions, and we often coordinate with families on Social Security benefit transitions. One thing we always recommend is creating what we call a "benefit transition binder" that includes not just the documents others have mentioned, but also a one-page summary sheet that clearly outlines: - Current benefit amounts and sources - Key dates (when benefits started, guardianship date, expected adoption finalization) - Your retirement timeline - Questions you need answered Having this summary sheet as the first page helps SSA representatives quickly understand your situation without having to dig through all the paperwork. We've found it significantly reduces confusion and speeds up the process. Also, consider asking your adoption attorney if they have any experience with Social Security benefit transitions. Some attorneys who frequently handle these cases have established relationships with local SSA offices and can provide valuable insights about which representatives are most knowledgeable about complex cases. The level of care and preparation you're showing for your grandson's future is truly admirable. Best wishes with both the adoption finalization and the benefit transition process!