I'm in a similar situation - currently on SSDI and approaching my FRA in a few years. This thread has been incredibly helpful! One thing I wanted to add that I learned from my case worker: when you apply for the ex-spouse benefit, make sure to ask specifically about "auxiliary benefits" - sometimes the SSA representatives don't automatically check for all the different types of benefits you might qualify for. Also, if your ex-spouse hasn't filed for their retirement benefits yet but is over 62, you can still potentially get benefits on their record as long as you've been divorced for at least 2 years. @Victoria Scott - have you considered reaching out to your local Area Agency on Aging? Even though you're not quite at their typical age range, they sometimes have benefits counselors who specialize in Social Security transitions and can help you navigate all these moving pieces with the LTD ending and potential ex-spouse benefits. They might know about local resources that could help bridge the gap when your LTD stops. The automatic conversion at 67 really is seamless though - that's one less thing to worry about!

One more thing to keep in mind - when you're getting close to 67 and your LTD is ending, make sure you understand exactly when your LTD payments stop versus when your SSDI converts to retirement. Some LTD policies end on your 67th birthday, while SSDI converts to retirement benefits in the month you reach full retirement age. If there's any gap, you'll want to plan for that financially. Also, regarding the ex-spouse benefit calculation - remember that if you do qualify for additional money based on your ex's record, you'll receive the higher of either your own benefit OR the spousal benefit, not both added together. So if your own benefit is $1,890 and the spousal benefit would be $1,950, you'd get $1,950 total, not $3,840. One last tip: when you go to apply for the ex-spouse benefit, bring copies of everything rather than originals if possible. SSA can make copies right there, but you'll feel better knowing your important documents are safe at home. Good luck with everything!

This is such valuable information! I had no idea that divorced spouses could potentially receive benefits while on SSDI. I'm in a somewhat similar situation - I've been on SSDI for fibromyalgia for about 18 months, and my ex-husband will be eligible for retirement benefits in a couple of years. We were married for 14 years before divorcing. Reading through all these responses, it sounds like I should start preparing now by gathering my documents (marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc.) so I'm ready when the time comes. One thing I'm still unclear on - if my SSDI amount is higher than what I'd get from his divorced spouse benefits, would there be any point in applying? Or do they always supplement to bring you up to the higher amount regardless of which benefit is larger?

I want to add something important that might help others in this thread - make sure you understand the difference between divorced spouse benefits and divorced survivor benefits. While we're all talking about divorced spouse benefits (which you can get while your ex is alive and receiving/eligible for retirement), divorced survivor benefits are typically much higher and available if your ex passes away. The survivor benefit can be up to 100% of what your ex was receiving, compared to divorced spouse benefits which max out at 50% of their benefit. Just wanted to mention this since several people are in similar long-term situations where this distinction could matter down the road. Also, for those having trouble getting through to SSA - try calling right when they open at 7 AM local time. I've had much better luck getting through early in the morning before the phone lines get overwhelmed.

This is such an important topic to plan for, and I'm glad you're thinking ahead for your family's security. Based on what others have shared, it sounds like marriage would significantly improve your partner's financial situation if something happens to you. One thing I'd add - since you mentioned the SSA website is confusing (and it really is!), you might want to schedule an appointment at your local Social Security office to discuss your specific situation. They can walk you through the exact benefit amounts and timing based on your actual earnings record. You can also ask about other planning strategies, like whether there are any advantages to when you might get married relative to benefit calculations. Also, don't forget to consider other estate planning beyond just Social Security - life insurance, wills, etc. An estate planning attorney could help ensure your son and partner are fully protected. Your local Area Agency on Aging might have free or low-cost legal clinics that could help with this. Wishing you and your family the best as you work through these important decisions!

For your SSA appointment, you'll want to bring your Social Security card, your son's birth certificate and Social Security card, and any documentation of your current benefits. If you decide to get married beforehand, bring the marriage certificate too. You can actually schedule appointments online at ssa.gov or call ahead - it's much better than just walking in. For estate planning, definitely update your will and consider life insurance if you don't have enough coverage. Since your son is only 5, you'll want to name a guardian and set up a trust if the life insurance payout is substantial. Many states have free legal aid societies that help with basic estate planning, or your local bar association might have referral services for affordable attorneys. One more tip - if you do get married soon, make sure to update your beneficiary information on any retirement accounts, life insurance policies, etc. Social Security is just one piece of the financial security puzzle for your family.

To clarify what's being discussed - there are two separate calculations happening: 1) The basic survivor benefit calculation, which is affected by when your husband died and when you claim, and 2) The GPO reduction, which is based on his non-covered pension. Both affect your final payment amount. Under the 2025 changes, you'll likely see a significant improvement because your husband had relatively few years of non-covered work compared to his SS-covered employment. Document everything carefully and consider working with a financial advisor who specializes in Social Security planning for government employees.

I'm so glad this discussion is happening! I'm in a very similar situation - my husband worked for the state for 8 years (no SS contributions) but had 25+ years paying into Social Security before and after. He passed away last year at 62 and I'm 54 now. Reading through these responses gives me hope that the 2025 changes will actually make a meaningful difference for people like us. The current GPO rules seem so unfair - penalizing survivors when their spouses paid into Social Security for the vast majority of their careers. Has anyone here actually gone through the process of getting their benefits recalculated once the new law takes effect? I'm wondering how proactive SSA will be about applying the new formula or if we'll need to specifically request it.

When you apply, be very clear about your CSRS pension. They'll ask about government pensions not covered by Social Security. Bring documentation showing your CSRS pension amount. Be prepared to wait for processing - these GPO cases often take longer to calculate. Don't be surprised if they request additional information after your initial application. Based on what you've shared, there's a good chance you'll receive some survivor benefits, even after the GPO reduction. Your husband's 40+ years of substantial earnings means his benefit was likely significant enough that even after a $2,800 reduction, you may still receive a monthly payment worth pursuing.

That's great news that you got through to SSA! Looking forward to hearing how your appointment goes. For others reading this thread who might be in similar situations, this is a perfect example of why it's worth applying even when GPO seems discouraging. With a CSRS pension of $4,200/month and a husband who had 40+ years of substantial Social Security earnings, there's a real possibility of receiving meaningful survivor benefits after the GPO reduction. The key takeaways here are: 1) Apply as soon as possible (benefits only go back 6 months), 2) Don't wait until 70 since survivor benefits don't increase after FRA, and 3) Be persistent about getting through to SSA - services like Claimyr can help bypass the phone wait times. Good luck with your appointment!