To actually answer your main question - you should take whichever benefit is higher. If your own benefit is higher than 50% of your ex's, take your own. If 50% of his is higher than your own, take the spousal benefit. The SSA should actually give you the higher amount automatically if you were married for at least 10 years before divorcing. Based on what you've shared, it sounds like your own benefit is the higher one. Just remember that taking your benefit doesn't affect his at all - he'll still get whatever he's entitled to regardless of what you claim.

One more thing to keep in mind - since you're turning 66 in three months, you're reaching your Full Retirement Age (FRA). This is actually perfect timing because you can claim your full benefit without any early retirement reductions. If you had claimed earlier, your benefit would have been permanently reduced. Also, even though you're choosing your own benefit over the ex-spouse benefit now, you might want to check back in a few years. If your ex-husband passes away before you do, you could potentially switch to a survivor benefit based on his record, which would be 100% of his benefit amount instead of just the 50% spousal amount. Just something to keep in the back of your mind for future planning. The SSA agent should have explained all this to you, but sometimes they rush through the details. Make sure you get everything in writing when you file!

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! I'm going to go ahead and select February 1st as my start date. One more question - does this same rule apply for Medicare? I already signed up for that when I turned 65.

I remember when my wife hit FRA and we were so confused about all this... we ended up waiting an extra two months because we were afraid of getting reduced benefits! wish i had known about this birthday month rule back then! could have gotten two more months of payments...

Thank you all for the helpful responses! I've made an appointment with my doctor to get updated medical records and I'm going to start gathering all my documentation. I think I'll apply for both regular SSDI and the Disabled Widow Benefits as suggested. I'm still nervous about the whole process, but at least now I have a better understanding of my options. I'll definitely use that Claimyr service to speak with SSA directly about my specific situation. Will update when I have news about my application.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with these health challenges. As a newcomer to this community, I've been reading through similar situations and wanted to share what I've learned. The information about Disabled Widow(er) Benefits is really eye-opening - I had no idea this was even an option until reading these responses. One thing I'd suggest is also reaching out to your local Area Agency on Aging. They often have benefits counselors who can help navigate the Social Security system for free, and they might be able to review your situation before you apply to make sure you're taking the best approach. They're familiar with both the disability process and widow benefits, so they could give you personalized guidance. Also, given your pacemaker complications, have you considered whether that might qualify you for a Compassionate Allowance? Some cardiac conditions with devices can qualify for expedited processing. It might be worth asking about when you speak with SSA. Wishing you the best with this difficult situation. You're not alone in this process!

I remember when I started collecting early at 62 back in 2020. Had a similar confusion about the monthly vs. annual limits. Learned that in the first year, they use the monthly test as a grace to help you transition to retirement. Makes it easier if you had high earnings before starting benefits. But be careful - they don't automatically figure this out. You need to contact them if you want them to use the monthly test instead of the annual test in that first year. Don't wait for them to come asking for money back later! Also, don't forget that self-employment income counts too, not just W-2 wages. I almost got tripped up by that one since I do some consulting on the side.

I went through this exact situation when I started collecting at 64 two years ago! Your financial advisor is absolutely right - the monthly limit ($1,850 for 2025) only applies in your first calendar year of receiving benefits. Starting January 2026, it switches to just the annual limit. One thing that really helped me was keeping detailed records of my monthly earnings throughout that first year. I created a simple spreadsheet tracking each month to make sure I stayed under the $1,850 limit. Also, remember that if you do go over in a particular month, you only lose benefits for THAT month - it doesn't affect other months in your first year. The key thing to remember is that this monthly test is actually designed to help people like us who start benefits mid-year. Without it, if you earned your full salary for part of the year before retiring, you might exceed the annual limit even if you're not working at all after starting benefits!

Just wondering but why didn't you apply for spousal benefits right when you reached FRA? Did you start working again or something? Just curious because I'm trying to figure out my own situation.

Great question! I just went through this process myself about 8 months ago. Here's what I learned: definitely schedule your appointment at least 6-8 weeks in advance, not just one month. The processing can take longer than expected, especially if they need additional documentation. Also, make sure to ask them to estimate your new monthly amount during the appointment so you know exactly what to expect. In my case, the spousal benefit added about $340 to my monthly payment, but it took almost 2 months to show up in my direct deposit. One tip: if you have trouble getting through on the phone to schedule, try calling right at 8 AM when they open - that's when I had the best luck. Good luck with everything!