Can I claim ex-spouse's Social Security benefits at 60 with disability but no SSDI qualification?

First, you can claim ex-spousal benefits if you're at least 62, were married 10+ years, and are currently unmarried. But since you're the higher earner, ex-spousal benefits would be lower than your own retirement benefits. Also, important to note that due to changes from the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, you can no longer file a restricted application for spousal benefits while allowing your own to grow (unless you were born before January 2, 1954). Your pension will likely trigger the Government Pension Offset (GPO) if it's from non-covered employment (where you didn't pay Social Security taxes), which could reduce or eliminate any spousal benefit. Regarding disability exceptions - no, unfortunately being disabled but not qualifying for SSDI doesn't provide any special exemptions from early filing reductions. You'd still face the permanent reduction for claiming before your FRA.

ur situation sounds kinda like my sisters!! she tried 2 get benefits from her ex but ended up just taking her own at 63 cause she was the higher earner too. the SSA people told her it was pointless to even apply for the spousal benefit. dont waste ur time!!

You've received some good information already, but I want to add a few technical points: 1. Since you were married for 27 years and are currently unmarried, you do qualify for ex-spouse benefits. However, you can only receive the higher of either your own benefit or the spousal benefit (not both). 2. If your pension is from work where you paid Social Security taxes, then GPO won't apply. GPO only applies to pensions from "non-covered" employment. 3. Since you were born after 1954, you cannot file a restricted application. You'll be deemed to be filing for all benefits you're eligible for. 4. At 62, any benefit you take will be permanently reduced by approximately 30% from your Full Retirement Age amount. 5. Since you mentioned health issues, consider the break-even analysis: If you expect a shorter lifespan, taking benefits earlier might actually result in more lifetime benefits despite the reduction. I recommend calculating both scenarios (taking ex-spousal now vs. your own at FRA) to see which provides higher lifetime benefits given your health expectations.

DONT WASTE YOUR TIME with ex-spouse benefits!! the system is RIGGED against us. i spent MONTHS trying to get answers from SSA about my ex's benefits and they just kept giving me the runaround. they'll make you fill out 50 forms and then tell you that you dont qualify for anything extra!!!

Have you actually checked with SSA to confirm you don't qualify for SSDI? Sometimes people assume they don't have enough work credits, but there are different rules depending on when you became disabled. It's worth double-checking! Also, what about SSI if your income/assets are below the limits?

my aunt was in kinda the same boat and she just went ahead and took her benefits at 62 cause of health problems. she said waiting wasn't worth it if she might not be around to enjoy the money. gotta think about quality of life too right?

Based on what you've shared, here's my recommendation: 1. Request your Social Security statement through your my Social Security account to see exactly what your benefit amounts would be at different ages. 2. Calculate your ex-spousal benefit (approximately 50% of your ex's FRA benefit amount, reduced if you claim early). 3. Compare this to your own benefit at 62 vs. FRA. 4. Consider your health outlook and financial needs. In most cases where you're the higher earner, your own benefit will exceed the ex-spousal benefit, but you need the actual numbers to make an informed decision. Given your health concerns, don't automatically assume waiting until FRA is best - run the numbers for your specific situation.