As someone who went through this exact situation last year, I can confirm you can absolutely get spousal benefits while your husband is on SSDI! I was also a teacher with a pension, and while the GPO did reduce my benefit significantly, I still received about $150/month after all the reductions. The key thing I learned is that even if the math suggests you'll get zero, you should still apply because: 1) SSA sometimes makes calculation errors in your favor 2) Your pension amount or your husband's SSDI amount might change 3) Having the application establishes your filing date for any future adjustments Also, don't forget that when your husband reaches his full retirement age, his SSDI automatically converts to regular retirement benefits at the same amount - no action needed on your part, and your spousal benefit continues unchanged. I'd strongly recommend applying online at ssa.gov rather than trying to call. The online application walks you through everything step by step, and you can upload documents directly. Much easier than the phone maze!

I'm in a very similar situation - retired teacher with a pension and husband on SSDI. From what I've learned researching this, you're definitely eligible for spousal benefits while he remains on disability. The key things to know: 1) You can apply now at 62, but your benefit will be permanently reduced to about 32.5% of his full benefit amount instead of 50% 2) The Government Pension Offset will then reduce that amount by 2/3 of your teacher's pension 3) Many teachers end up with little to no spousal benefit after GPO, but it's still worth applying I'd recommend using the SSA website's benefit calculators to get a rough estimate before applying. Also consider that if you can work part-time to earn those 8 additional quarters for your own Social Security record, that might give you more options down the road, even with WEP reducing your own benefit. The online application process is definitely easier than trying to get through on the phone. Good luck!

Wow, this has been such a comprehensive discussion! As someone who's been through a similar situation with my sister's case, I want to emphasize one crucial point that really made a difference for us: timing and preparation. Before your husband applies, I'd strongly recommend calling SSA (maybe using that Claimyr service Dylan mentioned to avoid the hold times) and asking specifically about their current policies for "deemed spouse" situations with long-term separations. Sometimes local offices have slightly different interpretations, so getting clarity upfront can save months of back-and-forth. Also, consider having a brief consultation with a disability attorney or benefits specialist - many offer free consultations and can help identify any potential issues before you submit the application. Your case sounds incredibly strong with the 10-year separation and all the documentation, but having professional guidance can make the difference between a smooth approval and months of appeals. Best of luck to both of you - you've got this!

Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful! I'm in a somewhat similar situation - my estranged husband and I have been separated for about 7 years now, though not quite as long as your 10 years. We also maintain completely separate lives, finances, addresses, etc. What really stands out to me from everyone's advice is how important the documentation is and how much the initial SSA representative you speak with can impact the process. One thing I'd add based on my research into this topic is that SSA Publication 05-11000 (Understanding SSI) actually has a section on "living apart" determinations that might be worth your husband reviewing before he applies. It outlines the specific factors they consider when determining if married couples are permanently separated for SSI purposes. Also, I've heard that submitting a detailed written statement explaining the circumstances and timeline of your separation along with all the documentation can be really helpful - basically telling your story in your own words rather than just letting the paperwork speak for itself. Your situation sounds very strong given the length of separation and all the evidence you have. Wishing your husband the best of luck with his application!

The earnings test only applies if you're collecting benefits BEFORE your Full Retirement Age while still working. Once you reach your FRA, the earnings test no longer applies - you can earn any amount without it affecting your Social Security benefits. Since the original poster is planning to claim AFTER their FRA, the earnings test isn't relevant in their situation.

As someone who just went through this decision process myself, I can confirm that waiting after your FRA is definitely beneficial! I delayed my benefits by 8 months past my FRA and the increased monthly payment has been worth it. One thing that helped me decide was using the Social Security Administration's online benefit calculator to see the exact dollar difference. Also, don't forget that if you're married, the delayed retirement credits can also increase the survivor benefit your spouse would receive. The peace of mind knowing I'm getting the maximum benefit I'm entitled to makes those few months of waiting feel like a smart investment!

I'm going through this exact nightmare right now! Been trying to get my retirement benefits processed for 7 weeks and it's been absolutely maddening. The Manila FBU phone system is completely broken - I must have called 25+ times during their "office hours" and never once reached a human being. This thread is incredibly valuable! I'm taking screenshots of all these proven strategies. The urgent email format from @Jamal Wilson with specific subject lines, @Ayla Kumar's congressional inquiry approach, @Mei Chen's ACS contact method, and @Michael Green's VPN tip for MySocialSecurity account creation are all game-changers I never would have considered. I'm particularly frustrated because I'm 67 and already past my FRA, so every month of delay feels like lost money. But reading that multiple people here eventually got full retroactive payments is reassuring. One additional resource I found that might help others: The Federal Benefits Unit actually has a separate fax number (632-301-2017) that some people have had better luck with than email. I'm planning to fax my application documents there while simultaneously trying all the other approaches everyone mentioned. Going to implement the full multi-channel strategy this week: urgent emails to FBU.Manila@ssa.gov, congressional inquiry through my former district, MySocialSecurity account setup with VPN, and even the respectful Facebook complaint approach if needed. It's absolutely ridiculous that we need a comprehensive battle plan just to access benefits we've paid into for decades! Thanks to everyone for sharing your hard-won knowledge. This thread should honestly be stickied as the official survival guide for American retirees in the Philippines dealing with SSA benefits. Will definitely update with results!

I'm currently dealing with this exact same situation and it's beyond frustrating! Been trying to get my retirement benefits processed through Manila for about 6 weeks now. The phone system is completely useless - I've called during their supposed "office hours" at least 20 times and have never once gotten through to an actual person. This thread has been absolutely invaluable - I'm taking notes on every strategy mentioned here. The urgent email formatting tips, congressional inquiry approach, ACS contact method, VPN for MySocialSecurity account setup, and even the fax number @Alexis Renard mentioned are all brilliant solutions I never would have thought of on my own. I'm 66 and feel like I'm bleeding money every month this drags on, but reading about everyone's eventual success with full retroactive payments gives me hope. One thing I wanted to add that might help others: I found out that the SSA's main customer service line (1-800-772-1213) can sometimes help expedite overseas cases if you explain that you've been unable to reach the Manila FBU for weeks. They can't process your application directly, but they can sometimes put notes in your file or provide alternative contact methods. Planning to try the full multi-channel assault this week: urgent emails, congressional inquiry, MySocialSecurity account setup with VPN, fax to the FBU, and calls to the main SSA line. It's absolutely ridiculous that we need a military-style strategy just to access benefits we've earned over decades of work! This thread should honestly be pinned as the official Manila FBU survival guide. Thanks to everyone for sharing your hard-won knowledge - we're all helping each other survive this bureaucratic nightmare!

Great to hear you got your instructions! Just wanted to add for anyone else reading this thread - I went through the same process about 6 months ago and found the Pay.gov electronic option was really convenient. You get instant confirmation of payment and it processes faster than mailing a check. Also, make sure to save that reference number they gave you - you'll need it if you have any questions about your payment later. The whole process from repayment to final confirmation took about 6 weeks total for me. Sounds like you handled this perfectly by being patient and waiting for the official instructions rather than trying to send payment early.

This is such a helpful thread! I'm actually considering withdrawing my application too since I just got offered a position that would significantly increase my future earning potential. Reading through everyone's experiences really helps me understand the timeline and process better. For those who have been through this - did you find that withdrawing and reapplying later at full retirement age was worth the hassle financially? I'm 62 and trying to decide if it makes sense to go through this process or just suspend my benefits instead. The job would likely last 3-4 years, and I'm trying to figure out the break-even point between paying back early benefits versus accepting the permanently reduced rate. Thanks for sharing all these details - it's so much more helpful than the vague information on the SSA website!