This is why the SS system is so frustrating. Your getting a bigger benefit because your husband never claimed but if he had filed early and then died you would get less! Makes no sense to me. Meanwhile people like my sister who's husband claimed early then died get stuck with reduced benefits forever. The whole system needs an overhaul.

Thank you everyone for the helpful information! I'm feeling much more confident about my upcoming appointment now. I'll be sure to specifically ask about receiving 100% of what would have been his FRA amount and mention the widow's limit provision. One last question - will I need to give up my current benefit completely, or will they just pay me the difference between my current benefit and his FRA amount?

Just a heads-up about benefits calculation: Since you're applying at your Full Retirement Age (67), you'll get 100% of your benefit amount. If your marriage lasted at least 10 years (which you mentioned it did), you potentially have the option to claim on your ex-spouse's record if that would give you a higher benefit amount. This is something you should ask about during your application call. When you apply, they'll automatically calculate whether your own benefit or the spousal benefit (50% of your ex's) would be higher, and give you the higher amount. You don't need to make this decision yourself. For the application itself, having your bank information ready for direct deposit setup will make things go faster. They'll ask for routing and account numbers during the call.

Thank you everyone for all this helpful information! I feel much better prepared now. I think I'll try applying online first based on several suggestions here, but have all my information ready in case I need to call instead. I'll definitely remember to write down the confirmation number (in multiple places!) and keep an eye out for any mail that follows. And I'll make sure to ask about potentially claiming on my ex's record since his earnings were higher. Really appreciate all your advice!

I wanted to address what happens during the SSDI application process specifically for spinal osteoarthritis: 1. After applying (online, by phone, or in person), SSA will review your work history to verify you're insured for SSDI. 2. Your case goes to your state's Disability Determination Services (DDS) where a medical consultant and examiner evaluate your medical evidence. 3. For osteoarthritis claims, they'll likely request detailed imaging and may send you for a consultative exam (CE) with their doctor. 4. They'll assess whether your condition meets Listing 1.15 OR if your limitations prevent all types of substantial work. 5. For back conditions, they look specifically at your ability to: sit/stand/walk for periods of time, lift/carry objects, bend/stoop/crouch, and maintain concentration despite pain. The approval rate for musculoskeletal conditions at the initial application stage is only about 35%, but increases to nearly 60% at the hearing level. Having a longitudinal medical history (consistent treatment over time) significantly improves your chances.

my friend with back problems got denied and she said her mistake was she was TOO HONEST in her application! She said she could grocery shop (with breaks) and they used that against her. Be careful what you say you can still do!!!!

So here's what you need to know - at 62, you can apply for divorced spouse benefits IF: 1. You were married at least 10 years (you qualify) 2. You're currently unmarried (assuming you are) 3. Your ex is entitled to benefits (even if they haven't filed yet, they need to be 62+) BUT - and this is the big change since 2016 - you MUST file for your own benefits simultaneously. They'll pay you whichever amount is higher. If your work record gives you $800/month and your ex-spouse benefit would be $900/month, you'd get $900. If your own benefit is higher, you'd just get that. The old strategy was eliminated for anyone born after 1/1/1954. I found all this out the hard way last year!

To directly answer your original question: No, a 62-year-old who was married 10+ years cannot apply for ex-spouse benefits without applying for their own if they were born after January 1, 1954. The SSA office gave you correct information. Whether to claim at 62 depends on your financial situation, health, and life expectancy. Remember that claiming at 62 means: 1. Your personal benefit is reduced by approximately 30% 2. Any spousal/ex-spousal benefit is reduced to about 35% (instead of 50%) 3. These reductions are permanent The key question is: do you need the income now, or can you afford to wait for a larger benefit later?

my situation is kinda similar except im not eligible for much on my own record. i worked mainly as a stahm for most of our marriage (26 yrs!). divorced 5 yrs now. i called SS last year when i turned 62 and they told me its better for me to wait til my FRA (66+8mo) to get the full 50% of my exs benefit. if i took it early at 62 id only get like 35% of his benefit forever. made me mad that i have to wait but what can you do?

Thank you all for the helpful responses. I think I'm understanding better now. Since I can't take my own benefit early and then switch to the ex-spouse benefit later, my options are basically: 1. Claim early at 62 and get either my own reduced benefit OR my reduced ex-spouse benefit (whichever is higher), but it's permanently reduced 2. Wait until my FRA at 67 and get either my full retirement benefit OR 50% of my ex's FRA benefit (whichever is higher) I need to crunch the numbers using my SSA account to see what makes the most sense financially. The extra money now would be helpful, but I also don't want to shortchange myself for potentially decades if I live a long time (my mom is 91 and still going strong!). I'll also check out that Claimyr service to talk to SSA directly. The last time I called, I waited over an hour and then got disconnected.