Can I collect ex-spouse Social Security benefits at 60 while on SSDI, or must I wait until he retires?

Unfortunately, you can't receive divorced spouse benefits at age 60. Those benefits are only available starting at age 62 (your full retirement age is probably around 67). Also, your ex-husband doesn't need to be collecting his own benefits for you to claim divorced spouse benefits, but he does need to be at least age 62. What you're confusing is survivor benefits (sometimes called widow/widower benefits), which can start at 60, with spousal benefits, which can't start until 62. Since your ex is still alive, survivor benefits don't apply to your situation. When you do reach 62, you can apply for divorced spouse benefits if you meet these requirements: - Marriage lasted at least 10 years (you qualify with 18 years) - You're currently unmarried - Your ex is at least 62 (he will be by then) - The benefit you'd receive on his record is higher than your own SSDI Just be aware that filing at 62 means taking a reduced benefit - approximately 30% less than if you waited until your full retirement age.

I wanted to add some important information to what's already been shared. When you're on SSDI and eligible for spousal benefits (including divorced spouse benefits), SSA will pay you essentially the higher of the two amounts, not both combined. Here's how it would work: If your divorced spouse benefit would calculate to be higher than your current SSDI, you would receive your SSDI amount plus the difference to equal the divorced spouse benefit amount. You wouldn't get both full payments added together. Also, since you're already on SSDI, when you reach your Full Retirement Age (FRA), your benefits will automatically convert from disability to retirement benefits, but the amount stays the same. At that point, if the divorced spouse benefit would be higher, you could apply for the additional amount.

ive been thru this!! your ex doesnt even need to know your applying for benefits on his record. SSA doesnt contact him or anything. they just look up his earnings in their system.

Just wanted to say im in almost the same boat as you! On SSDI, turning 60 next month, divorced after 22 yr marriage. I also thought I could get something at 60 but had to learn the hard way that 62 is the magic number for ex-spouse benefits. The wait continues...

Something important nobody's mentioned yet: When you do apply at 62, you'll likely get about 50% of what your ex-husband would receive at HIS full retirement age (not what he'd get if he filed early). However, since you're filing before YOUR full retirement age, that amount will be reduced. Also, be aware that if you're receiving Medicare due to your SSDI and you have Part B premiums deducted from your SSDI payment, this will continue even if you start receiving divorced spouse benefits. If I were you, I'd call SSA directly to get a proper estimate of what you might receive at 62 based on your ex's record. That way you can plan accordingly. However, as you probably know, reaching anyone at SSA by phone these days is incredibly frustrating with hold times sometimes exceeding 2 hours.

I HATE how confusing they make all this!!! The whole system is designed to keep us from getting what we deserve. I bet if you called SSA 3 different times you'd get 3 different answers too. That's what happened to me when I was trying to figure out my benefits. So frustrating!!!

Coming back to add one more crucial piece of information: If you do qualify for divorced spouse benefits at 62 and decide to apply, your benefit will be reduced because you're filing before your full retirement age (FRA). The reduction is approximately 0.69% for each month before your FRA. For example, if your FRA is 67 and you file at 62 (60 months early), your benefit would be reduced by about 41.4% from what you would receive at FRA. This reduction is permanent, so it's worth considering whether waiting longer might be beneficial depending on your financial situation. As for estimating the amount without contacting your ex, when you call SSA, they can access your ex's earnings record to provide you with an estimate. As others have mentioned, your ex will not be notified of your inquiry or application.

Thank you all for the helpful information! To summarize what I've learned: 1. I need to wait until I'm 62 (not 60) to apply for divorced spouse benefits 2. My ex needs to be at least 62 but doesn't need to be collecting benefits yet 3. I won't get both SSDI and divorced spouse benefits - just the higher amount 4. Filing at 62 means a permanent reduction compared to waiting until my full retirement age 5. My ex won't be notified if I apply for benefits on his record 6. I can call SSA directly to get an estimate of what I might receive I'll definitely look into calling SSA when I get closer to 62 to see if it's worth applying. I appreciate all your help!

Great summary! You've got all the key points down. One additional thing to keep in mind - since you mentioned having a progressive neurological condition, if your health situation changes significantly, that could potentially affect your disability status and benefits down the road. It might be worth discussing with SSA how transitioning from SSDI to retirement benefits (which happens automatically at your FRA) could interact with any future divorced spouse benefits you might claim. Also, make sure to keep records of your marriage duration and divorce decree - you'll need those documents when you do apply. Best of luck navigating this system!

One more thing to consider - if you're currently receiving Medicare due to your SSDI, you'll want to understand how any change in your benefit amount might affect your Medicare Part B premiums. Sometimes people don't realize that Medicare premiums can be income-adjusted (IRMAA), so if your divorced spouse benefits significantly increase your total income, you might end up paying higher Medicare premiums. It's probably worth asking SSA about this when you call for your estimate, especially since you mentioned wanting to increase your monthly income. You want to make sure the net benefit after any premium increases is still worthwhile!