Divorced widow survivor benefits at 60 - How does ex-husband's SSDI affect my early claim?

You're asking some good questions about survivor benefits! Yes, if you claim survivor benefits at 60, they will be reduced to about 71.5% of what you'd receive at your full retirement age (FRA). This reduction applies even though your ex was receiving SSDI, as survivor benefits are calculated differently than disability. And you're correct about the ability to switch. Since you were born after 1954, you can claim reduced survivor benefits at 60 and then switch to your own retirement benefits later if they would be higher. Age 70 is often optimal for switching because that maximizes your own retirement benefit with delayed retirement credits. Just make sure you specify to SSA that you ONLY want to file for survivor benefits when you apply. If you don't make this clear, they might automatically file you for both benefits, which could prevent you from using this strategy effectively.

my mom tried this and they MESSED IT ALL UP!! she told them clearly she only wanted survior benifits but the person filed her for both anyway. took like 6 months to fix and they made her pay back money. make sure u get the persons name who helps u and WRITE EVERYTHING DOWN

As someone who was in almost your exact situation, let me share my experience. My ex-husband passed away while receiving SSDI, and we had been married for 15 years. I claimed my divorced widow benefits at age 60 in 2023. Here's what happened: 1) The reduction for early filing was about 28.5%, so I received 71.5% of what I would have gotten at my FRA. 2) His SSDI status didn't affect the calculation - they based my survivor benefit on what his full retirement benefit would have been. 3) I've been working part-time, so I have to watch the earnings limit ($22,320 in 2025) until I reach my FRA. Going over means they withhold some benefits. 4) The application process was challenging. They required our marriage certificate, divorce decree, his death certificate, and my birth certificate. 5) I'm planning to switch to my own retirement benefit at 70, as the delayed credits will make it larger than my reduced survivor benefit. My advice: Get an appointment (don't just walk in), bring EVERY document you might need, and explicitly state you only want to file for survivor benefits, not your own retirement.

Wait I'm confused. I thought you couldn't get divorced widow benefits unless you were married for AT LEAST 10 years? But you said 16 years so your good. Actually my sister is in same boat as you & she said the SSA told her the amount is based on what he WOULD HAVE received at his full retirement age, even though he took SSDI early. But I could be wrong, SSA tells everybody different things lol

I JUST went through this process last year and let me tell you, it's a nightmare dealing with Social Security!!! Here's what happened to me: I turned 60 in February 2024 and applied for my survivor benefits as my ex-husband had passed away in 2022. We were married for 14 years before divorcing in 2010. Nobody told me about the earnings limit!! I was still working full-time making around $55K and guess what? They approved my benefits but then I got NO PAYMENTS because of my earnings!!! Such a waste of time applying early. ALSO - they kept asking me if I wanted to apply for retirement benefits too, and I had to keep saying NO multiple times. They really try to confuse you into applying for both which messes up the strategy. My advice - if you're going to keep working and making decent money, WAIT until you're closer to full retirement age or your earnings go down. Otherwise it's just paperwork for nothing. And RECORD every conversation with them. I'm serious. They told me one thing on the phone and then did something completely different with my application.

congrats on your retirement planning! im in similar boat. divorced after 22yrs and ex died last year. i talked to lady at social security office and she said the disability doesnt matter for survivors benefit calculation. they use his full benefit amount and then reduce it based on YOUR age when you claim. also dont forget about medicare! you dont get that until 65 so budget for health insurance

I had a friend who applied for survivor benefits at age 60 last year, and she encountered several issues. First, despite the SSA website stating you can apply 3-4 months before eligibility, she was told to wait until exactly the month of her 60th birthday. This contradicted their own guidelines. Second, she nearly got trapped into applying for both retirement and survivor benefits because the agent didn't properly explain the options. She only avoided this because she had done extensive research beforehand. My suggestion is to prepare thoroughly before your application. The claims specialists are often overworked and may not fully understand these complex scenarios. Write down your main points and questions, and be VERY clear about only wanting to file for survivor benefits. Also, if you're planning to continue working after claiming at 60, be aware that in 2025 you'll lose $1 in benefits for every $2 you earn above $22,320 (approximate earnings limit for 2025 based on current trends). Calculate whether this makes financial sense for your situation.

Just to clarify a common misconception I'm seeing in some responses - the fact that your ex-husband was receiving SSDI rather than retirement benefits has no negative impact on your survivor benefit amount. The benefit calculation is based on his Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), which is what he would have received at his full retirement age, regardless of when or what type of benefits he actually claimed. The reduction in your survivor benefits will be solely based on your age when you claim them. At exactly age 60, you'll receive approximately 71.5% of his PIA. Each month you wait beyond 60 increases this percentage slightly until you reach your full retirement age (probably 67 for you), at which point you'd receive 100% of his PIA. Additionally, since you'll be turning 60 in 2025, your FRA for survivor benefits is 67. This is important when calculating the exact reduction percentage.