Can I collect ex-spouse Social Security disability benefits when I turn 62?
I'm turning 62 in just a few months and trying to figure out my Social Security options. My ex-husband currently receives SSDI (he's been on disability for about 5 years now). We were married for 15 years before divorcing in 2014. I never remarried. I know you can claim ex-spouse retirement benefits, but does this apply to SSDI too? Am I eligible to receive any benefits based on his disability record when I turn 62? My own work history is spotty because I stayed home with our kids for several years. Any advice would be really appreciated!
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Marcelle Drum
Yes, you can claim ex-spouse benefits at 62 based on his record! The key here is that you were married for more than 10 years (you said 15) and you're unmarried now. It doesn't matter that he's receiving SSDI instead of regular retirement - you'll be eligible for ex-spouse benefits based on his earnings record regardless. However, be aware that filing at 62 means you'll get a reduced amount - about 70% of what you'd get at your full retirement age (probably 67 for you). Also, if your own work record would give you a higher benefit, Social Security will pay you that amount instead.
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Collins Angel
•Thank you so much for this information! So it doesn't matter that his benefits are disability rather than retirement? That's a huge relief. Do you know if I need to tell them specifically I want to apply for ex-spouse benefits, or will they automatically check both records when I apply?
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Tate Jensen
my ex is on disablity too and i got benefits when i turned 62 but they DONT give you half like with regular social security!!! they reduce it alot cuz of early filing!!! i only get like $740 even though his benfit is almost $2000!!! they dont tell u these things!!
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Collins Angel
•Oh wow, that's a pretty big reduction! I was hoping for something closer to half. Do you know if there's any way to estimate what I might get before I actually apply?
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Adaline Wong
I work for a retirement planning firm, and this is a common question. When you file at 62 for ex-spouse benefits, you'll receive up to 50% of what your ex-husband would receive at his full retirement age (not what he's actually receiving on SSDI), BUT reduced because you're filing early. The reduction is approximately 30% at age 62. Very important: You should make sure SSA does a proper calculation comparing your own benefit to the ex-spouse benefit. You'll receive whichever is higher, but not both. Also, be aware that if you're still working, the earnings test might reduce your benefits further if you make over $22,320 in 2025. I recommend creating a my Social Security account online to see your own estimated benefits first, then contact SSA directly about the ex-spouse amount. Make sure to have your marriage certificate and divorce decree ready when you apply.
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Gabriel Ruiz
•This is all correct except one thing - when her ex is on SSDI, the benefit calculation is a bit different than regular retirement. The disability benefit already includes certain adjustments that retirement benefits don't have. But the 50% maximum for divorced spouse (reduced for early filing) is still accurate.
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Misterclamation Skyblue
its SO FRUSTRATING trying to get acurate info from SSA!!! I was in ur exact situation 2 yrs ago and spent WEEKS trying to get someone on the phone who could tell me the real amount id get!!! kept getting different answers from different people!!! finally got the right person but took FOREVER
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Peyton Clarke
•I had the same problem trying to reach SSA last year about my widow benefits. After multiple disconnected calls and hours on hold, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an agent in under 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. Totally worth it when you need specific information about ex-spouse benefits that the website doesn't clearly explain. The agent I spoke with was able to see both my record and my ex's record and gave me the exact amount I could expect.
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Vince Eh
When I applied for my ex-spouse benefits (my ex was on regular SS not disability), they told me I had to provide proof of the marriage AND divorce. Make sure you have your marriage certificate and divorce decree ready. They wouldn't even process my application without those documents. Also took almost 4 months to start getting payments after I applied!
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Collins Angel
•Thanks for the heads up about the documents! I have my divorce decree but will need to track down our marriage certificate. I hope it doesn't take 4 months to process... that seems so long!
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Gabriel Ruiz
One thing nobody has mentioned yet: if you're still working, be careful about the earnings limit. In 2025, if you earn more than $22,320, they'll deduct $1 from your Social Security benefits for every $2 you earn above that limit. This applies until you reach your full retirement age. Many people get surprised by this and end up with reduced benefits or even overpayments they have to pay back.
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Tate Jensen
•thats right!!! happened to my sister!!! she had to pay back like $4000 because she didnt know about this rule!!!
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Marcelle Drum
I see several comments mentioning the earnings test, which is important if you're working. But there's another consideration: does your ex have minor children or disabled adult children? If so, there's a family maximum that might limit your benefit amount. The family max is usually 150-180% of the worker's benefit, and it has to be divided among all eligible dependents (including ex-spouses). Also, be sure to ask about the potential impact on Medicare premiums if you'll be enrolling at 65. Depending on your income now, claiming early benefits can affect IRMAA calculations later.
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Collins Angel
•Our children are all adults now (youngest is 30) and none are disabled, so I think we're ok on that front. I hadn't thought about Medicare implications though - that's a good point to consider. This is all so complicated!
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Tate Jensen
one more thing! dont forget they take TAXES out of social security!!! i never knew this and got a big surprise at tax time!!! if ur other income is over like $25000 they tax up to 85% of the ss money!!! its highway robbery!!!
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Adaline Wong
Based on all the comments here, I'd recommend taking these steps: 1. Create a my Social Security account and check your own estimated benefit 2. Gather your marriage certificate and divorce decree 3. Contact SSA directly (use the Claimyr service someone mentioned if you have trouble getting through) 4. Ask specifically about: - Ex-spouse benefits based on a disability record - Early filing reduction amount - Earnings test limits if you're still working - Tax implications based on your total income Apply about 3 months before you turn 62 to give them processing time. The benefit will start the month you turn 62.
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Collins Angel
•Thank you for laying this out so clearly! I'll definitely follow these steps. I appreciate everyone's help and advice - this has given me a much clearer picture of what to expect.
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