Can I qualify for my ex-wife's Social Security benefits if she earned more than me while I'm fighting for SSDI approval?

Yes, you can potentially claim on your ex-spouse's record regardless of gender. The rules are the same for men and women. To qualify for ex-spouse benefits, you need to meet these requirements: 1. Your marriage lasted at least 10 years (you meet this with 12 years) 2. You are currently unmarried 3. You are at least 62 years old 4. Your ex-spouse is entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits 5. The benefit you'd receive on your own work record is less than what you'd receive on your ex's record However, this is for retirement benefits, not disability. For SSDI, you need to qualify based on your own work record. You can't receive disability benefits on an ex-spouse's record.

Just to add some practical advice to what was already shared - while you're waiting for your SSDI hearing, have you considered applying for SSI (Supplemental Security Income)? It's needs-based rather than work-based, so if your resources are limited enough, you might qualify while you're fighting the SSDI battle. Also, make sure you have a disability attorney for your hearing. Most work on contingency (they only get paid if you win), and they typically take 25% of your backpay up to a maximum of $7,200. Having representation increases your approval chances significantly at the hearing level - around 60% with representation versus 20% without.

idk if this helps but my uncle had to apply 4 TIMES for his disability!! the system is RIGGED to deny people the first couple times hoping theyll just give up!!! keep fighting and dont let them win

While you're waiting for your hearing, have you tried calling the SSA to check if there's any way to expedite your case? Some conditions qualify for Compassionate Allowances or Critical Case processing. I know reaching them by phone can be nearly impossible though. I recently discovered a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that gets you through to a live SSA agent usually within 30 minutes instead of waiting for hours or getting disconnected. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU It saved me so much frustration when I was trying to resolve my own disability issues. Might be worth checking to see if your case could qualify for expedited processing.

I was in a similar situation. Took me over 3 years to get approved for SSDI after initial denial and reconsideration denial. The hearing finally got me approved. Just hang in there! On the ex-spouse benefits - yes, men can claim on ex-wives' records just the same as women can claim on ex-husbands'. Equality works both ways with Social Security. But like someone else said, you gotta wait till retirement age for that. The good news is that once you finally get approved for SSDI, you'll get backpay from your application date.

Actually, there IS a difference sometimes between how men and women get survivor benefits! My father-in-law had trouble claiming on my mother-in-law's record because of some rule about proving dependency. I don't remember the details but I think men used to have to prove they were financially dependent on their wives in a way women didn't have to. But I think those rules mostly changed in the 1970s? Somebody correct me if I'm wrong.

I'm so sorry you're going through this. The SSDI process is brutal and dehumanizing. I was denied twice before finally being approved at my hearing. The worst part is the financial strain while you wait. Have you checked with your local ADRC (Aging and Disability Resource Center) or similar social services? They might know of emergency assistance programs in your area. Some counties have hardship funds specifically for people waiting on SSDI decisions. Also, make sure you're regularly sending any new medical records to SSA while you wait for your hearing. New evidence can sometimes help, especially if your condition is worsening.

If you don't mind me asking, what conditions are you dealing with? Some conditions have much higher approval rates than others.

my mom is getting benefits from my dad and they divorced like 30 years ago so yeah it definitely works for exes