Can I claim Social Security ex-spouse benefits if ex isn't collecting yet? Confused about top-off amounts

Yes, you can absolutely apply for divorced spouse benefits even if your ex hasn't filed yet, as long as you've been divorced for at least 2 years (which you clearly have been at 25 years) and you're both at least 62. You're eligible for up to 50% of his Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), but reduced since you started your own benefits early. Since you're already collecting your own benefits, you'd only get the difference if his record would give you more. As for waiting until your FRA - there's potentially a benefit if you're still working and close to the earnings limit. At FRA, the earnings test goes away completely. The online application system can be glitchy for divorced spouse benefits. You'll definitely need to call SSA directly or visit an office.

i had almost identical situation last yr, married 12 yrs, divorced long time. the SS people told me i had to CALL not do it online, dunno why their website says u can do it online when u cant!! wasted so much time trying!! finally got someone on phone after like 2 hrs wait

I've been trying to help my neighbor who's in exactly your situation. The SSA website is INCREDIBLY misleading about divorced spouse benefits! It states you can apply online but then randomly kicks people out with no explanation. As for calculators, there aren't any official ones specifically for divorced spouse benefits. You essentially get the higher of either your own benefit OR up to 50% of your ex's benefit (reduced if claiming before FRA). Also, just FYI - there's ABSOLUTELY a benefit to waiting until your FRA (July 2025) if you're working. Before FRA, they deduct $1 for every $2 you earn above the annual limit ($21,240 in 2025). At your income level of $45k, that could significantly reduce what you'd get from the ex-spouse benefit! BTW don't expect SSA to calculate this correctly the first time. My neighbor had to call THREE TIMES before they got her payment right.

I worked as a claims specialist with SSA for 15 years. To answer your questions directly: 1. You don't need your ex to be collecting for you to receive divorced spouse benefits. The "independently entitled divorced spouse" provision means you can file if you've been divorced 2+ years. 2. There could be significant benefit to waiting until your FRA in July 2025. At that point: - You won't be subject to the earnings test (no matter how much you earn) - You'll be eligible for the full spousal benefit percentage (though still offset by your own) 3. There's no public calculator for this specific scenario. But the formula is basically: 50% of your ex's PIA minus 100% of your own PIA (if positive). Then reduction factors apply if you're under FRA. 4. Yes, divorced spouse benefits often require direct contact. The online system has limitations for complex cases. Based on the rough income figures you provided, there's a good chance you'll qualify for some additional amount, but it's impossible to estimate without knowing your ex's actual PIA.

My sister wasted 3 MONTHS trying to do this!!! The SS people kept giving her wrong info about her ex spouse benefits. They told her one amount then changed it THREE TIMES!!! So frustrating!!!! And dont even get me started on the wait times!!!

I went through this exact process last year! Save yourself the headache of trying to reach Social Security directly - I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an agent after wasting days trying on my own. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU that shows how it works. It's basically a service that helps you skip the wait times. Once I got through to an agent, they explained that for divorced spouse benefits, you have to call and can't do it online despite what their website says. The agent helped me calculate my benefit amount on the spot - turned out I was eligible for an extra $210/month on top of my own benefit.

One thing no one has mentioned yet - BRING DOCUMENTATION when you apply! You'll need your marriage certificate AND divorce decree. My sister didn't have her divorce papers when she went in for her appointment and they made her reschedule. Complete waste of time. Also, they'll probably ask for your ex's Social Security number. If you don't have it, they can usually find him in their system with his full name and date of birth.

To address your calculator question specifically - while there's no dedicated calculator for divorced spouse benefits, you can get a rough estimate. 1. Use the SSA's Quick Calculator to estimate what your ex-spouse's benefit would be at his FRA: https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/quickcalc/ 2. Take 50% of that amount 3. Compare it to your current benefit 4. The difference (if his 50% is higher) is approximately what you'd receive But there are reduction factors if you claim before your FRA. Since you're already receiving your own reduced benefit at 62, the calculations get complex. This is why speaking directly with SSA is important - they have access to both earning records and can calculate the exact amount.

Just wanted to add one more important point that might help with your timing decision - since you're still working and earning under the limit, you should know that the earnings test applies differently to divorced spouse benefits versus your own benefits. If you claim the divorced spouse benefit before your FRA and you're still working, they'll reduce BOTH your own benefit AND the spousal portion based on your earnings. But once you reach FRA in July 2025, the earnings test disappears completely, so you could work and earn any amount without affecting your benefits. Given that you're only a few months away from your FRA, it really might make sense to wait. Plus, at FRA you'll get the unreduced spousal benefit calculation (though still offset by your own benefit amount). Also, when you do call SSA, ask them to do a "protective filing" - this can preserve your application date even if there are delays in processing. Good luck!

I went through this exact situation about 2 years ago! Here's what I learned that might help: First, definitely call SSA directly - the online system for divorced spouse benefits is basically useless. I wasted weeks trying to make it work. When you call, ask specifically for someone who handles "divorced spouse benefits" - not all representatives are equally knowledgeable about this. Since you're so close to your FRA (July 2025), I'd strongly recommend waiting. Here's why: You're currently earning income, and even though you say it's under the limit, the earnings test can still reduce your divorced spouse benefit if you claim before FRA. Once you hit FRA, you can earn unlimited income without any reduction. One tip that saved me time - when you do call, have your ex's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number ready if you have it. Also have your marriage certificate and divorce decree handy in case they ask for the dates. The good news is that with his higher income compared to yours, you'll very likely qualify for additional benefits. At your income levels, there's probably a decent gap between what you're getting now and what 50% of his benefit would be. Don't get discouraged by the process - it's worth it! I ended up getting an extra $290/month, which makes a real difference.

I'm dealing with almost the exact same situation right now! I'm 64, divorced after 16 years of marriage, and my ex makes significantly more than I ever did. I started my benefits early at 62 and am now wondering if I should apply for the divorced spouse benefits. What I've learned so far from researching (but haven't acted on yet) is that the timing really matters if you're still working. Since you're so close to your FRA in July, it might be worth waiting those few months to avoid any complications with the earnings test. I'm also dreading the phone calls to SSA based on what everyone is saying about wait times, but it sounds like that's the only way to actually get this done. The online system being broken for divorced spouse benefits is so frustrating - why advertise it as an option if it doesn't work? Have you considered whether your ex might have any idea what his estimated benefit would be? I know it's awkward to ask, but it could help you get a ballpark estimate of whether it's worth pursuing. In my case, I have no contact with my ex so I'm going in blind. Keep us updated on how it goes when you do apply! It's helpful to hear real experiences from people in similar situations.

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is that you can actually request a benefit estimate from SSA that includes potential divorced spouse benefits before you officially apply. When you call, ask them to run a "what-if" scenario - they can look at both your record and your ex's record and tell you exactly what you'd receive if you applied now versus waiting until your FRA. This could help you make a more informed decision about timing without committing to anything. They can also tell you if your ex's benefit amount would even result in additional money for you, since sometimes people assume they'll get more when their own benefit is already close to 50% of their ex's. Also, just a heads up - if you do decide to apply before your FRA and you're still working, make sure to report your expected earnings accurately. I've heard of cases where people underestimated their work income and ended up with overpayments that had to be paid back later. The protective filing date someone mentioned earlier is crucial too - even if you just call to get information, ask them to establish that protective filing date so you don't lose any potential back benefits while you're deciding.

I've been helping seniors navigate Social Security for over a decade, and your situation is very common! Here are some key points that might help: **Timing Strategy:** Since your FRA is just 4 months away (July 2025), I'd strongly recommend waiting. Here's why: - At FRA, the earnings test completely disappears, so your work income won't reduce your benefits - You'll get the full spousal benefit calculation without early filing reductions - Less complexity = fewer chances for SSA to make errors **Application Process:** Unfortunately, divorced spouse benefits really do require calling or visiting an office. The online system has been problematic for years. When you call: - Ask specifically for a "divorced spouse benefit inquiry" - Request they run estimates for both applying now vs. at FRA - Get a protective filing date established **Documentation:** Have ready: marriage certificate, divorce decree, your ex's full name/DOB (SSN if you have it), and your own earnings projection for 2025. **Reality Check:** With his $150K income vs. your $57K, there's likely a meaningful benefit available, but the exact amount depends on his complete earnings history, not just recent income. The wait will be frustrating, but given you're so close to FRA, the timing actually works in your favor. Those 4 months could save you from earnings test complications and get you the maximum available benefit.