Can I get ex-spouse Social Security benefits while on SSDI before reaching FRA?

Yes, you can potentially receive a divorced spouse benefit while on SSDI! The rule is that if 50% of your ex-spouse's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) is higher than your own SSDI benefit, you can receive the difference as a "top-up." For example, if your monthly SSDI is $1,200 and your ex's PIA is $3,000, then 50% would be $1,500. You'd get your $1,200 SSDI plus a $300 divorced spouse benefit. When you reach FRA, your SSDI automatically converts to retirement benefits at the same amount, but the divorced spouse benefit calculation stays the same. Make sure to actually apply for the divorced spouse benefit - it's not automatic!

ive been thru this!!! they wont give u anything extra unless 1/2 of HIS benefit is MORE than your whole benefit. its stupid cuz women usually make less anyway. and yes its capped at 50% max even if u were married 30 years!!! you gotta actually apply for it too they dont just check for you

Something important to understand is that when you're receiving SSDI, the ex-spouse benefit works exactly the same as it would for retirement. You don't have to wait until FRA to apply for the divorced spouse benefit. The calculation is simple but often misunderstood: 1. SSA calculates 50% of your ex's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) 2. They compare that to 100% of your current SSDI benefit 3. If #1 is higher than #2, you get your SSDI plus the difference When you transition to retirement at FRA, nothing changes with this calculation. Your SSDI amount becomes your retirement amount. I recommend applying now rather than waiting. If you qualify, they may pay retroactively for several months.

i think its unfair that they make us jump through all these hoops. My neighbor thought she was getting the proper amount for YEARS and then found out she could have been getting an ex spouse benefit too but they never told her!! she lost out on thousands because theres a limit to the retroactive payments. Be careful with SSA they don't volunteer information!!

Have you tried using Claimyr to get through to SSA? I was in a similar situation trying to ask about my divorced spouse benefits and kept getting disconnected after waiting for hours. A friend told me about claimyr.com and they got me connected to a real person at SSA in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU I was able to schedule an appointment to apply for my divorced spouse benefits and got all my questions answered. Much better than waiting for hours only to get disconnected!

My cousin got a suplimental on her ex's record but she had to apply through the local office in person. Theyre realy strict about the 10 year marriage rule, even if your off by a month they say no. But she gets an extra $230 evry month now on top of her disability. Worth trying for sure!!!!

One more important thing to know: when you apply for the divorced spouse benefit, SSA won't tell your ex-husband. Some people worry about this, but your application won't affect his benefit amount or generate any notification to him. Also, if your ex-husband has remarried, it doesn't affect your eligibility for benefits on his record. When you do apply, be prepared for SSA to request: - Proof of your SSDI entitlement (they should have this already) - Marriage certificate - Final divorce decree - Your ex's Social Security number (helpful but not required) Good luck with your application!