One thing to keep in mind is that even though the math suggests you won't get additional money right now, it's still worth filing a protective application for divorced spouse benefits. Here's why: 1. Your ex-husband's actual benefit amount might be different than your estimate - could be higher 2. If your health condition worsens and affects your ability to manage paperwork later, having it on file protects your rights 3. SSA can backdate benefits up to 6 months from your application date Also, since you mentioned being 64, remember that you can file for divorced spouse benefits as early as age 62 (which you've already passed), but if you filed before your FRA, the spousal benefit would be reduced. At your current age, you're close enough to FRA that this reduction would be minimal. The application process is pretty straightforward - you'll need your divorce decree and your ex's Social Security number. Even if you don't end up getting additional money, at least you'll have official confirmation from SSA rather than estimates, and you'll be protected if circumstances change.

I want to add something important that hasn't been mentioned yet - make sure you understand how Medicare eligibility works in your situation. Since you've been on SSDI for 15 years, you've likely been eligible for Medicare since your 27th month of disability. When you reach 65, you'll automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A and B (unless you opted out of Part B). If you do end up getting any additional Social Security benefits through divorced spouse benefits, it won't affect your Medicare eligibility, but it's worth understanding how your Medicare premiums are calculated. Also, if your LTD policy has been paying you for 15 years, check if there are any policy provisions about when those benefits might change or end. Some policies have maximum benefit periods or change at certain ages (like 65). This could actually make any potential Social Security increase more meaningful if your LTD payments are set to reduce or end. It's a lot of moving pieces, but getting a clear picture of all your benefits and how they interact will help you make the best decisions as you approach retirement age.

I'm in a very similar situation - 65 and on SSDI for the past 6 years, with an ex-husband who recently started collecting his retirement benefits. I just went through this exact process last month and wanted to share what I learned. The most important thing is that you absolutely need to apply for the divorced spouse benefits to trigger the comparison - SSA won't do this automatically. When I called, they were able to give me the exact amounts over the phone before I even submitted my application, which helped me understand what to expect. In my case, my SSDI was actually $180 higher than what I would get from the ex-spouse benefit, so nothing changed for me financially, but at least I know I'm getting the maximum I'm entitled to. The whole process took about 3 weeks from application to receiving the written determination. One thing I wish I'd known earlier is that even if the amounts are close, it's worth applying because your ex-spouse benefit amount could increase if your ex-husband gets cost-of-living adjustments to his retirement benefit. Don't let the paperwork intimidate you - it's really not as complicated as it seems once you get started!

I'm also 64 and have been on SSDI for about 4 years now. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly helpful! I've been putting off looking into this because the whole system seems so overwhelming, but it sounds like there's really no risk in at least applying to see what I might be entitled to. My ex-husband started collecting his retirement benefits about 6 months ago, and I keep wondering if I'm missing out on additional money. Based on what everyone has shared, it seems like the worst case scenario is that I find out my current SSDI is higher and nothing changes - but at least I'd know for sure. I think I'm going to follow the advice about using that Claimyr service to get through to SSA, since trying to call on my own has been frustrating. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories - it's so much easier to navigate this when you hear from people who've actually been through it!

good luck!!! make sure u send it certified mail so they cant say they never got it. thats what happened to my mom the first time!

That's a smart idea! I'll definitely send it certified mail. I wouldn't put it past them to

I'm sorry to hear about your spouse's health situation. This is such a difficult time to be making these kinds of financial decisions. From what I understand reading through the responses, it sounds like you have a solid grasp of your options. Since your benefit is already higher than your spouse's, continuing the suspension until 70 would likely maximize your lifetime benefits even if the worst happens. Those delayed retirement credits really add up - that's an extra 32% on top of your FRA amount by age 70. One thing I'd suggest is getting exact benefit projections from SSA for both scenarios (your benefit at 70 vs. potential survivor benefits) so you can see the actual dollar amounts. Sometimes the numbers can surprise you, especially if there are cost-of-living adjustments or other factors you haven't considered. Also, given the complexity of your situation with the SSDI conversion, suspension, and potential survivor benefits, it might be worth consulting with a fee-only financial advisor who specializes in Social Security planning. They can help you model different scenarios and make sure you're not missing anything important. Wishing you and your spouse all the best during this challenging time.

I'm so sorry to hear about your spouse's diagnosis - that must be incredibly overwhelming to deal with while trying to navigate these complex benefit decisions. Based on what others have shared, it sounds like you have the right understanding of your options. Since you mentioned your SSDI benefit is already higher than your spouse's Social Security, the math likely favors continuing your suspension until 70 even if the unthinkable happens before then. Those delayed retirement credits could increase your benefit by up to 32%, which would probably exceed any survivor benefit amount. One additional consideration: if you do decide to suspend at FRA, make sure you understand how that affects your Medicare Part B premiums. You'll still need to pay those even while your cash benefits are suspended, so factor that into your budget planning during the suspension period. I'd also echo what others said about getting everything in writing from SSA. With a situation this complex involving SSDI conversion, suspension, and potential survivor benefits, you want to make sure you have documentation of exactly what your options are. Take care of yourself during this difficult time. These financial decisions are stressful enough without the added emotional burden you're carrying.

I went through this exact situation with my employer's car allowance program about 6 months ago. Here's what I learned after consulting with both my tax preparer and calling SSA directly: if your employer reports it in Box 1 of your W-2 (which they almost certainly will for a flat $750/month allowance), then SSA will count it toward the earnings test regardless of what your HR department calls it. The only way around this is if they can restructure it as a true accountable plan where you submit actual receipts and only get reimbursed for documented expenses. I ended up having to decline the allowance because it would have pushed me over the limit by about $3,000, which would have cost me $1,500 in reduced benefits. My advice is to get clarity from HR about whether they can switch to a receipt-based reimbursement system, and if not, do the math to see if it's still worth it financially given the benefit reduction formula.

I work for a benefits consulting firm and deal with these situations frequently. The distinction everyone is making between allowances and reimbursements is absolutely correct, but I wanted to add one more consideration: timing. If you do end up going over the earnings limit, SSA typically doesn't catch it until they get your W-2 information the following year. This means you could potentially receive a full year of benefits and then face a large overpayment demand later. Given that you're only 64, you have several more years before FRA where this could be an ongoing issue. I'd strongly recommend either getting that accountable plan structure in place or declining the allowance altogether. The peace of mind is worth more than the hassle of dealing with SSA overpayment collections, which can be a nightmare to resolve.