I'm going through something similar right now - my CDR just came in last month and I was terrified too. Here's what I wish someone had told me: the gap in treatment isn't ideal, but it's not automatically a death sentence for his benefits. What saved me was being extremely thorough in documenting how my condition still affects my daily life, even when I'm "stable" on medication. A few practical tips from my experience: - When you call to schedule that psych appointment, explain it's urgent due to a CDR - many offices will try to squeeze you in sooner - Ask his pharmacy for a medication compliance report showing he's been consistently filling prescriptions - Have him start writing down his symptoms and limitations NOW, while you're waiting for the appointment - memory can be fuzzy when you're stressed - If he's had any ER visits, hospitalizations, or crisis situations in the past few years, make sure those are included in the medical records The most important thing is showing that even though he takes his medication religiously, he still has significant functional limitations that prevent consistent work. Bipolar disorder doesn't just disappear because someone is medication compliant - it requires ongoing management and still causes unpredictable episodes that would make maintaining employment impossible. You're doing the right thing by acting quickly. Try not to spiral too much - focus on gathering the documentation they need to see his ongoing disability.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stress on top of your own health issues! One thing that helped me during my husband's CDR was creating a comprehensive timeline document before the psychiatrist appointment. I listed: - All medications he's currently taking (with dosages and how long he's been on each) - Any dosage changes in the past year - Specific episodes or difficult periods he's had recently - How his conditions affect daily activities (showering, grocery shopping, social situations, etc.) - Any triggers that make symptoms worse Having this organized beforehand made the appointment much more productive, and the psychiatrist was able to write a more detailed assessment. Also, if his previous psychiatrist retired, try to get those records transferred ASAP - continuity of care documentation can be really valuable even with the gap. The fact that he's been medication compliant this whole time actually works in your favor - it shows he's actively managing his condition, not ignoring it. You're handling this exactly right by getting current documentation. Wishing you both the best outcome!

Just to add one more important point: If you're currently disabled but your insured status has expired (meaning you no longer have enough recent work credits for SSDI), you might still qualify for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) if your income and resources are below the threshold. SSI is need-based rather than work-credit based. However, SSI has no retroactive payments before the application date at all. And the resource limits are quite strict - generally $2,000 for individuals ($3,000 for couples) in countable resources. If you decide to apply for either program, be prepared with: 1. Detailed medical records from 5 years ago to establish your onset date 2. A list of all doctors, hospitals, and treatments 3. Information about any work attempts since your condition began 4. How your condition limits your ability to work Good luck with your situation!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - the lack of awareness about disability benefits is really a systemic problem. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is that you might want to consider consulting with a disability attorney for a free consultation. They can help you navigate the complex rules around retroactivity, insured status, and current disability requirements. Many disability lawyers work on contingency (they only get paid if you win), and they're often much better at getting through to SSA than individuals trying to call on their own. They can also help you determine if your current condition still meets the disability criteria and whether it's worth pursuing an application. Also, don't beat yourself up about not knowing - SSA doesn't exactly make this information easy to find or understand. The important thing is you're looking into it now!

I went through something very similar last year with my disabled daughter and ex-husband's benefits. The family maximum is definitely still calculated the same way it has been for years - the SSA rep was likely confused about any rule changes. What helped me was requesting an appointment at my local SSA office and bringing all my documentation. The in-person representatives seem to have better access to the calculation tools and can walk through the numbers step by step. When I called the 1-800 number, I got different answers every time, but the local office was able to show me exactly how they arrived at my benefit amount. Also, don't forget that if you're still working, there are earnings limits that could affect your benefits if you claim before full retirement age. At 62, you can only earn about $23,400 in 2025 before they start reducing your benefits. This might factor into your decision about when to claim. The $250 sounds low to me given your ex's benefit amount, but the family maximum combined with early claiming reduction could explain it. Definitely push for that written explanation that Jessica mentioned - it's your right to understand exactly how they're calculating your benefits.

I'm sorry you're dealing with this frustrating situation! As someone who recently went through a similar process with Social Security, I can share what I learned. The family maximum is indeed still calculated the same way it has been - typically 150-180% of the primary worker's benefit amount. What might be happening is that your son's disabled adult child benefit is taking up a significant portion of that maximum, leaving less available for your divorced spouse benefit. One thing that helped me get clearer answers was keeping detailed notes during each call, including the representative's name and ID number. When I got conflicting information, I could reference specific previous conversations. Also, don't be afraid to ask them to repeat information slowly - these calculations are complex and the representatives sometimes rush through explanations. Given your ex's $2,700 monthly benefit, a $250 divorced spouse benefit at age 62 does seem quite low, even with the family maximum and early claiming reduction applied. I'd definitely follow the advice others have given about requesting a Technical Expert and getting everything in writing. You deserve to understand exactly how they're arriving at these numbers. Hang in there - this system is incredibly confusing, but you have every right to get clear, consistent answers about your benefits!

This is such valuable advice! I'm dealing with a similar nightmare right now - SSA is claiming I owe $2,100 for "unreported work" from 2022, but I have all my pay stubs AND the receipts from when I reported everything to them. They've been taking $125 out of my monthly check since October and it's really hurting my ability to pay rent. I've been too intimidated to contact my congressman's office because I thought it was only for "big" issues, but this IS a big issue for me! Going to reach out to them tomorrow morning. Thank you for sharing your story and proving that persistence pays off. It gives me hope that I might actually get my money back too!

This is exactly the kind of success story that gives me hope! I'm currently in month 8 of fighting a $1,950 overpayment claim where SSA says I didn't report my freelance work from 2023, but I have copies of every single Form SSA-1099 I submitted AND the certified mail receipts. They've been deducting $140 from my disability check since June, and like you, I've sent my documentation multiple times only to be told they "can't locate it in the system." The phone situation is absolutely maddening - I've easily spent 40+ hours on hold this year just to get disconnected or told someone will call me back (spoiler: they never do). I honestly never considered contacting my representative's office because I thought they only handled "major" issues, but you're absolutely right that this IS major when it's your livelihood on the line. I'm going to look up my congressman's website tonight and submit a request. Thank you for sharing the specific details about the process and timeline - it really helps to know what to expect. Congratulations on getting your full benefits restored and that back payment!

Based on all the comments, here's a summary of your best approach: 1. Start the process 3 months before turning 62 2. Your total monthly income will likely be slightly higher after the transition (your $587 retirement + some supplemental SSI, minus the reduction) 3. You don't need your ex's cooperation - SSA can access his earnings record since you were married 10+ years 4. Explicitly ask about continued Medicaid eligibility in your state when you switch benefits 5. Request a written breakdown of your future benefits before any changes happen 6. If you receive any notices about benefit changes, respond immediately Many people actually end up slightly better off financially after this transition, but the key is ensuring everything is processed correctly and simultaneously to avoid gaps in coverage. The system is complex but you're asking all the right questions.

Victoria, I wanted to add something important that hasn't been mentioned yet - you should also ask SSA about potentially filing a "restricted application" strategy. Since you're disabled and receiving SSI, there might be specific timing considerations that could work in your favor. Also, when you do contact SSA, make sure to ask them to run scenarios for BOTH your own retirement benefit AND the divorced spouse benefit to see which gives you the higher total monthly income (including any remaining SSI). Sometimes the calculations aren't as straightforward as they seem, especially with the SSI income exclusions and state-specific Medicaid rules. One more tip: if you do end up going to the office, try to schedule an appointment rather than walking in. Many offices now allow you to schedule appointments online or by phone, which can save you hours of waiting time. Good luck with everything!