I've been following this conversation and wanted to share some additional insights that might help with your SSDI application process. As someone who works in disability advocacy, I see a lot of misconceptions about SSDI benefits. You're absolutely right to be relieved about the age issue - SSDI is NOT reduced for age like early retirement benefits are. Your SSDI benefit will be calculated based on your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), which is what you'd receive at full retirement age regardless of when you actually apply for SSDI. A few practical tips for your application: 1. Request copies of ALL your medical records before applying - don't rely on SSA to get them 2. Ask your rheumatologist to complete a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form that specifically details your physical limitations 3. Document how your RA affects your ability to perform "activities of daily living" - this is crucial for the evaluation Regarding the spousal benefits question from earlier - you're correct that you'd apply for those when your SSDI converts to retirement benefits at age 67. At that point, if 50% of your husband's PIA exceeds your own benefit amount, you'll receive the difference as a spousal benefit supplement. The process is frustrating and lengthy, but with good medical documentation and persistence, many people with legitimate disabilities do get approved. Best of luck with your application!

I went through the SSDI process about two years ago at age 59, so I can relate to your situation! One thing I learned that might help you is to start tracking your "bad days" versus "good days" right now, even before you apply. The SSA evaluators want to understand the consistency and severity of your limitations. For RA, they're particularly interested in how often you experience flares, morning stiffness duration, and functional limitations on your worst days - not just your average days. I kept a simple daily log rating my pain levels, joint stiffness, and what activities I couldn't perform. Also, if you haven't already, consider asking your rheumatologist about any newer treatments or medications. While this might seem counterintuitive when applying for disability, SSA wants to see that you've tried all reasonable treatments before concluding you can't work. Having a clear record that you've exhausted treatment options (or that available treatments aren't effective for your case) actually strengthens your disability claim. One more thing - if you have any old performance reviews from your nursing job that mention attendance issues, fatigue, or difficulty with physical tasks, keep those! They can serve as evidence that your condition was already impacting your work performance before you stopped working entirely. The whole process is emotionally draining, but hang in there. The financial security is worth the hassle of getting through the bureaucracy!

This thread has been absolutely invaluable! As someone who works in social services and frequently helps clients navigate SSA benefits, I want to add a few practical tips that might help your husband's application process go more smoothly: 1. When he calls SSA, ask to speak specifically with someone experienced in "living apart" determinations for married couples applying for SSI. Not all representatives are equally familiar with these nuances. 2. Create a timeline document showing the 10-year separation with key dates (when you moved to separate addresses, when you started filing taxes separately, etc.) - this helps paint a clear picture of the permanent nature of your separation. 3. If possible, get a letter from a mutual friend or family member who can attest to your long-term separation. Third-party verification can be very compelling. 4. Keep copies of EVERYTHING you submit, and get confirmation numbers for any documents sent to SSA. Your case sounds exceptionally strong with the decade-long separation and comprehensive documentation. The fact that you've maintained completely separate lives, finances, and addresses for 10 years puts you in a much better position than many cases I've seen successfully approved. Don't let anyone discourage you from applying - your situation clearly meets the criteria for permanent separation that SSA looks for in these determinations.

This has been such a comprehensive and helpful thread! Reading through everyone's experiences and advice, it's clear that your husband has an excellent chance of being approved for SSI without your income being counted. The 10-year separation with completely separate finances, addresses, and tax filings really puts you in the strongest possible position. I wanted to add one more resource that might be helpful: many states have Protection & Advocacy organizations that provide free assistance with Social Security disability and SSI applications. They're federally funded and can help navigate complex situations like yours. You can find your state's P&A office through the National Disability Rights Network website. Also, if your husband does get an initial denial (which unfortunately happens even in strong cases), don't panic! The reconsideration and ALJ hearing levels often have much better outcomes because they allow more time to properly review all the separation evidence you've gathered. Given everything discussed here - the length of your separation, the thorough documentation you have, and all the practical advice shared - I'm optimistic this will work out well for you both. Your preparation and research are already putting you ahead of many applicants. Best of luck with the process!

Congratulations on working out a solution with your employer! That's really smart planning. Just wanted to add one more tip for anyone else in a similar situation - if you're close to the earnings limit, consider asking your employer about flexible scheduling or the option to temporarily reduce hours later in the year if needed. Many employers are understanding about Social Security restrictions, especially for part-time positions. It's much easier to stay under the limit proactively than to deal with overpayments later!

Just wanted to share my experience as someone who went through something similar a few years ago. I took early retirement at 62 and then got offered contract work at 64. The key thing that helped me was setting up quarterly check-ins with myself to track my earnings - I'd calculate where I was at the end of each quarter and project forward to make sure I wouldn't go over. It gave me peace of mind and let me adjust my work schedule if needed. Also, don't forget that the earnings limit is per calendar year, so if you started collecting SS partway through last year, this year is really your first full year to manage. Sounds like you've got a good plan worked out with your employer though!

dont trust SS to be there when u retire!!! my dad says the whole system is going bankrupt by 2034 and we'll all get reduced benefits anyway so what does it matter

Great question! As someone who's been helping people navigate Social Security planning, I'd add that there's another factor to consider: the "bend points" in the benefit formula change annually. The progressive nature means your first dollar of average monthly earnings gets a 90% return, but earnings above certain thresholds get much lower returns (32% and 15%). One thing people often overlook is that if you're married, you'll also want to consider spousal benefits and survivor benefits in your planning. The higher earner's benefit becomes especially important for the surviving spouse. Also worth noting: while maximizing earnings helps, don't sacrifice your health or family life just to boost SS benefits. The difference between a good salary and maximum salary might only translate to a modest increase in monthly benefits due to that progressive formula structure.

One thing that might help with planning - you can create a my Social Security account online at ssa.gov to see your benefit estimate at different claiming ages. It shows your PIA at full retirement age, plus what you'd get if you claim early (reduced) or late (with delayed retirement credits up to age 70). This can help you see exactly how much you'd receive before Medicare deductions at different claiming strategies. I found this tool super helpful when I was planning my retirement timeline!

Just wanted to share my experience since I went through this exact same confusion last year! When I was 64, I got my SSA statement showing a PIA of $2,180. I was so worried about budgeting because I didn't know what would actually hit my bank account. Here's what I learned: your PIA is indeed the gross amount before deductions. So Charlotte, your $2,245 PIA means that's your base benefit if you claim at full retirement age. Then Medicare Part B gets deducted (mine was $174.70/month in 2024, now it's $179.80 for 2025). I also chose to have federal taxes withheld at 10%, which took out another chunk. My actual deposit ended up being about $300 less than my PIA after all deductions. The key is understanding that PIA is just the starting point - your actual "take home" will be lower, but at least now you can plan for it!