Can I get higher ex-spouse Social Security benefits if I'm on SSI disability? Confused about filing at 62

Yes, you can potentially claim ex-spouse benefits since you were married over 10 years. The formula is fairly straightforward: you're entitled to 50% of your ex's full retirement age benefit (not his age 70 benefit) if you wait until your own full retirement age (probably 67). But if you take it at 62, you'll get approximately 32.5% of his FRA benefit due to early filing reduction. However, Social Security will pay your own benefit first, then supplement up to the spousal amount if it's higher. So you'd get the higher of either your own reduced benefit ($587) OR the reduced spousal benefit. Since you're on SSI, when you file for Social Security at 62, your SSI will be reduced dollar-for-dollar by your Social Security amount. If your Social Security payment (whether on your record or as a spouse) exceeds your SSI payment, you'll no longer receive SSI.

his age 70 benefit is higher bc of delayed credits. you need to find out what his FRA amt is which is prob like $1750ish if his age 70 is $2300. then if u take spousal at 62 u get like 32.5% of THAT number not the $2300. also ck if u qualify for disabled widow benfit which mite be different rules

What you're describing is a common situation. When you turn 62, SSA will indeed require you to file for retirement benefits. To calculate a rough estimate of your ex's benefit at his full retirement age: if his age 70 benefit is $2,300, his FRA benefit would be approximately $1,742 (assuming his FRA is 67). At 62, you'd be eligible for approximately 32.5% of his FRA amount as a divorced spouse benefit, which is about $566. Since your own benefit at 62 ($587) is higher than the reduced spousal benefit, you'd receive your own benefit. Important note about SSI: Once you begin receiving Social Security benefits, your SSI will be reduced by the amount of your Social Security minus a $20 general income exclusion. So if you receive $587 in Social Security, your SSI would be reduced by $567, meaning you'd receive about $376 in SSI (assuming current SSI rate of $943), for a total of $963 monthly. Regarding Medicaid - in most states, you would remain eligible for Medicaid as an SSI recipient, even with reduced SSI payments. However, if your Social Security completely eliminates your SSI, you should immediately apply for Medicaid continuation under other eligibility categories.

When I turned 62 last year they made me apply for retirement too even though I was on disability. My check went DOWN by almost $200/month!!! The SSA office didn't explain any of this to me before it happened. They just sent a letter saying I had to apply. Now I'm trying to get back on SSI to make up the difference but its taking FOREVER. Apply for everything you can!!!!!

I went through this exact situation last year. Trying to reach SSA by phone was IMPOSSIBLE - kept getting disconnected after waiting hours. Finally I tried a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they got me connected to a real person at SSA in about 20 minutes. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Once I actually talked to someone, they explained that even though my retirement benefit was lower than my SSI, I would still get supplemental SSI to make up most of the difference. The key is making sure they process everything correctly and simultaneously so you don't lose benefits during the transition. Getting to speak with an actual agent made all the difference for me.

The SSA rules on this are RIDICULOUS!!! My sister went through the exact same thing and ended up LOSING money when she had to switch from SSI to retirement. She was getting $914 on SSI but only got $543 on retirement and they cut her SSI completely! Said she made $3 too much for the threshold in our state. THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO KEEP DISABLED PEOPLE IN POVERTY!!!! AND DON'T GET ME STARTED on how they calculate the spousal benefits - total scam. They take the higher earner's benefit at THEIR full retirement age (not the increased amount at 70), then they cut it by HALF, then they reduce it AGAIN if you take it early!!! No wonder people can't figure this stuff out.

Just to clarify some points based on the discussion: 1. When transitioning from SSI to retirement benefits at 62, you should receive your higher benefit amount between your own record and the ex-spouse benefit 2. If your Social Security retirement benefit is less than your current SSI, you'll likely continue receiving some SSI to supplement (minus the countable income reduction) 3. Medicaid continuation is critical - in most states, you can maintain Medicaid even with reduced or eliminated SSI through programs like Medicaid Buy-In for Workers with Disabilities or Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary 4. You should contact SSA approximately 3 months before turning 62 to ensure a smooth transition 5. Request a detailed written benefits calculation showing both your retirement benefit AND any remaining SSI 6. Ask specifically about continued Medicaid eligibility based on your state's rules The calculations can be complex because they're based on your ex's FRA benefit (not age 70), early retirement reductions, and SSI income exclusions. An SSA representative will need to review your specific case to provide accurate numbers.

when i had this problem last yr i couldn't get anyone at ssa on the phone EVER!!!! office was hr away with no bus service. i ended up missing deadline and lost benefits for 2 months!!! don't let that happen to u

Based on all the comments, here's a summary of your best approach: 1. Start the process 3 months before turning 62 2. Your total monthly income will likely be slightly higher after the transition (your $587 retirement + some supplemental SSI, minus the reduction) 3. You don't need your ex's cooperation - SSA can access his earnings record since you were married 10+ years 4. Explicitly ask about continued Medicaid eligibility in your state when you switch benefits 5. Request a written breakdown of your future benefits before any changes happen 6. If you receive any notices about benefit changes, respond immediately Many people actually end up slightly better off financially after this transition, but the key is ensuring everything is processed correctly and simultaneously to avoid gaps in coverage. The system is complex but you're asking all the right questions.