One important detail I forgot to mention: if you apply for the divorced spouse benefit, make sure you specify you're applying for the "divorced spouse benefit" and not trying to file on your own record again. Sometimes the intake people get confused when you're already receiving SSDI and try to tell you that you've already filed. Be specific that you're filing for the additional benefit based on your ex-spouse's record.

Just wanted to add something that might help with your decision - you can actually request a benefit estimate from SSA before formally applying. This way you'll know exactly what you'd be eligible for on your ex-husband's record versus your current SSDI amount. I did this when I was considering spousal benefits and it saved me from going through the whole application process only to find out I wouldn't get any additional money. The estimate request is much faster than a full application and will give you the concrete numbers you need to decide if it's worth pursuing.

I'm so sorry you're facing this situation - it's truly shocking that someone could remove you from payroll without your knowledge after decades of work. One avenue that hasn't been mentioned yet is checking with your state's Workers' Compensation board or Unemployment Insurance office. These agencies sometimes maintain employment records that are separate from what SSA has, and they might show you as an employee during those missing years. Also, if your family business had any contracts, licenses, or permits during that time period, try to get copies. Sometimes these documents list all the people authorized to act on behalf of the business, which could help establish your role. For the SSA interview, I'd suggest asking specifically about the "good cause" exceptions to the normal time limits for correcting earnings records. Given that your removal from payroll was done without your knowledge, this could potentially qualify as fraud or manifest injustice. One more thought - if you had any business insurance policies (liability, property, etc.) during those years, the applications often list all the business owners or key employees. Insurance companies keep records for a long time, so it might be worth checking with your old insurance agent. Don't lose hope. Even if it's an uphill battle, the potential impact on your retirement security makes it worth fighting for every possible avenue.

I'm heartbroken reading your story - this is such an unconscionable betrayal by someone who was supposed to protect your interests. The fact that you discovered this so close to retirement makes it even more devastating. One thing that might help your case is requesting your complete SSA file through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. Sometimes there are internal notes or correspondence that could shed light on when/how your earnings record was modified. You can file this online at ssa.gov. Also, have you considered checking with your local Small Business Administration (SBA) office? If your family business ever applied for any SBA loans or programs, those applications often require detailed information about all business owners and key employees. The SBA keeps extensive records that could help establish your role in the company. Another avenue: if you filed any business tax returns jointly (Form 1065 partnerships or 1120S S-corp returns), the IRS should have copies going back many years. These returns often show profit/loss distributions to partners or shareholders, which could help prove your ownership stake even if payroll records are missing. The "fraud or manifest injustice" exception that others mentioned is real - the key is building a compelling case with whatever documentation you can gather. Your ex's deliberate removal of you from payroll without your knowledge during a marriage could absolutely qualify as fraud. Don't let anyone tell you this is hopeless. Thirty years of work deserves to be recognized in your Social Security record.

I think ur overthinking this tbh. as long as ur daughters checks keep coming its fine

I understand your concern about the genetic carrier status! As someone who's dealt with similar genetic testing situations, I can share that being a Fragile X carrier typically doesn't meet SSA's disability criteria unless there are actual functional impairments. Many carriers of genetic conditions live completely normal lives without any symptoms that would affect their ability to work. SSA's disability determination is based on whether someone can perform "substantial gainful activity" - if your husband is working and functioning normally, the carrier status alone wouldn't qualify him as disabled under their definitions. The labeling on your daughter's paperwork was most likely either a clerical error or an internal coding issue related to family medical history tracking. You were right to correct it initially. If you're still concerned, a quick follow-up call to clarify the genetic carrier distinction might give you peace of mind, but it shouldn't impact your daughter's benefits since her own disability determination is separate from household member classifications.

Just wanted to add another perspective here - I'm a retired benefits counselor and worked with SSA for 15 years. A few additional tips that might help: 1. Keep detailed records of your monthly earnings throughout 2025. SSA sometimes makes mistakes in their calculations, and having your own records helps if you need to dispute anything. 2. Consider the timing of when you receive paychecks vs when you earn the money. SSA counts wages in the month you receive them, not when you earn them. So if you get paid on the 1st for the previous month's work, that income counts toward the month you receive it. 3. If you're close to the limit in any month, you can ask your employer to defer some income to the next month (like delaying a bonus) to stay under the threshold. 4. The "first year rule" that Amina mentioned is really important - make sure you understand exactly how it applies to your situation starting in February. Since the 2025 limits haven't been announced yet, I'd suggest calling SSA in January to get the official numbers before making any final decisions about your work schedule. Good luck with your retirement planning!

Another thing to keep in mind is that if you're planning to work part-time, you might want to consider seasonal work patterns to maximize your benefits. For example, if you know the monthly limit for 2025 will be around $1,950-$2,000 as Javier estimated, you could potentially work more hours in January (before you start collecting) and then reduce your hours for the rest of the year. Some people also find it helpful to work more in December since that gives them a full year to plan their earnings for the following year. Just make sure whatever arrangement you make with your boss is documented in writing so there's no confusion about your schedule or pay timing later on.

I'm glad you were able to get through and figure out what was causing the delay! It's so typical of SSA to have missing documents that you already submitted - I've had similar experiences with other government agencies. The fact that your benefits will still start in January even with processing delays is really reassuring. That's one less thing to worry about during what's already a stressful time. Thanks for updating us on your progress - it's helpful to see how these situations get resolved. Hopefully the resubmission goes smoothly and you see movement in your application soon!

I'm so glad you got through and found out what was holding up your application! The missing direct deposit form issue is unfortunately very common - I went through something similar when I applied for my widow's benefits earlier this year. They had my bank information from years ago but needed the updated form anyway. It's frustrating that their system doesn't flag these missing documents earlier in the process. Since you're planning to start benefits in January, you should be in good shape now that you know what they need. Just make sure to keep copies of everything you resubmit and maybe send it certified mail so you have proof of delivery. The 7-10 business day timeframe they gave you sounds reasonable, and it's great news that your benefits will still start on time even if there are processing delays. Thanks for sharing the update - it really helps others who might be dealing with similar delays to know what to look for!